Methods and apparatuses for applying agent to objects

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of at least one object, including interior lumens, channels and cavities within the object. A coupler and interface may be secured to an object to disinfect the inner channels or cavities therein. At least two grippers may be used to retain an object for the application of at least one agent thereto. The applied agent may be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The temperature of the object may be lowered to condensate applied agent thereupon. The object may also be washed. Complete sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for specialty applications, and other application specific designs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation-In-Part application claims priority from U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/567,428, filed on Sep. 25, 2009,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,110,156, which claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/100,029, filed on Sep. 25, 2008, and expresslyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The following patentapplications and patents are expressly incorporated herein by referencein their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,641,130, 7,871,016, 8,110,156 andU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/637,310, 12/643,044, 12/816,986 and12/979,460.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved disinfection apparatuses andmethods for use of those apparatuses, including but not limited to thesimultaneous or non-simultaneous, sanitization, disinfection, high-leveldisinfection, or sterilization of one or more internal and exteriorsurfaces, or areas, of objects or spaces, as well as the airbornedelivery of various types of agents, for various purposes, to an area,and without limitation, their surfaces. These areas may include one ormore surfaces that are interfaced or articulated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The complete and assured sanitization, disinfection, high-leveldisinfection, or sterilization of devices, tools and other objects inindustries such as but not limited to the health care industry, hasalways been a challenge in terms of processing time, cost, engineeringtradeoffs, toxicity, safety, and overall effectiveness. Currently, theavailable choices are liquid disinfection, typically referred to as a“wet” method, and various airborne methods, typically referred to as a“dry” method. The dry method can include, but is not limited to, gases,aerosols, and processes that use steam as a carrier gas for thedisinfecting composition or solution. All processes that do not includeliquid immersion are generally considered to constitute a dry methodeven if the agent used has a liquid phase.

Immersion of an object in liquids known in the art for sterilization ordisinfection is a relatively simple method that is cost effective, andoffers fast cycle times that are typically measured in hours. However,it also presents problems related to reproducibility and qualityassurance due to the potential for bubbles to form on the inner surfacesof complex instruments, including endoscopes, which prevent cleaningsolution contact with interior surfaces, such as lumens or channels.Another method for cleaning devices such as endoscopes is known to thoseskilled in the art, but generally involves several sequential steps oractivities such as, but not limited to, wiping the device to remove anyunwanted debris or contaminants and then placing the endoscope in awasher and interfacing it with a hose, or other means known to thoseskilled in the art (herein called “supply tube”). The supply tubeenables various liquids including but not limited to, surfactant, highpurity rinse water, and disinfectant/sterilant, to be moved through thevarious channels and lumens of the endoscope at various stages of thecleaning process. The outside of the endoscope is also exposed,preferably simultaneously, to these same liquids at various stages ofthe cleaning process. After the final rinse stage, the endoscope isdried in a manner known to those skilled in the art including, but notlimited to, being dried within the processing chamber, or removed fromthe washer and dried outside of the processing chamber.

The current art can be improved in various ways including, but notlimited to: (1) decreasing the time required to achieve the desiredanti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal effect on both the internal andexternal surfaces as well as any interfacing/articulating surfaces of anobject or endoscope (2) reducing the risk that “air bubbles” willprevent full contact of the disinfectant/sterilant solution with allinner surfaces of an object or endoscope (3) reducing the drying timefor an object or endoscope, and (4) reducing or eliminating thedeleterious effect of the disinfectant solution and/or disinfectingprocess on the materials that are used to construct the object orendoscope. The methods and apparatuses of the present invention addressthese needs by decreasing the time to efficaciously complete theessential steps while achieving a satisfactory result.

In general, liquid disinfection/sterilization creates a majorcorresponding drawback in that the finished product remains wet, andtherefore unsuitable for packaging and/or storage. The deployed orapplied disinfecting agent(s) or substance(s) must have limitedtoxicity, be reasonably safe as well as compatible with those materialscomprising the instruments and devices to be disinfected/sterilized.

Gaseous agents used in the prior art for sterilization are very limitedin terms of medical applicability. Steam or dry heat sterilization iseffective, but many medical devices and instruments are incompatiblewith the degree of heat required for this process. So-called “coldsterilization” is an alternative, but the only currently available coldsterilization agents in use in hospitals are ethylene oxide and hydrogenperoxide in various forms that include, but are not limited to plasma.U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,951 (Koubek, 1983), which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, including any references cited therein,teaches using hydrogen peroxide to sterilize medical articles by causinghydrogen peroxide-water vapors to deposit a film of liquid on themedical devices. The liquid film is then caused to be evaporated.Hydrogen peroxide vapor is susceptible to humidity that can reduce theefficacy of the process.

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is carcinogenic, toxic and dangerous and, althougheffective, is only used as a last resort for instruments and devicesthat cannot be subjected to other modalities. In addition, after beingexposed to EtO, items cannot be used for long periods to allow“off-gassing” or aeration of the EtO. According to the UNC School ofDentistry, the complete EtO cycle, including aeration, can last as longas 24 hours. The newer technology utilizing hydrogen peroxide plasma isan alternative, however, it is very expensive, and the technologyrequirements have translated to only small size sterilization chambers.To date, it has not been capable of sterilizing certain instrumentsincluding, but not limited to, endoscopes. Endoscopes generally containsmall lumens and/or channels and the hydrogen peroxide plasma hasdifficulty in maintaining its effectiveness throughout the length of thelumen.

Without being limited to a mechanism, method, or chemical, it isbelieved that chemically reactive liquids are necessary in sterilizationprocesses to contact contaminants including but not limited to toxins,bacteria, virus, fungus, and spores (both fungal and bacterial), prionsor protein structures, within a target area(s) to kill the bacteria,virus, fungus, spores, neutralize a toxins, or render a virus, orprotein structure incapable of replication or to otherwise interferewith the target's cellular physiology, or to destroy or neutralize thetoxin. These chemically reactive liquids may be provided as an aerosol.

Prior art has taught that relatively quick disinfection andsterilization of objects can be achieved by their exposure to an aerosolof a disinfectant/sterilizing agent created by ultrasonic nebulization.U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,125 (Kodera et al., 1980), which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, including any references citedtherein, teaches that an aerosol, created by ultrasonic transducers andconsisting of hydrogen peroxide, can contact surfaces targeted forsterilization. Ultraviolet-ray lamps are then synergistically used inconcert with the applied aerosol to achieve sterilization of thetargeted surfaces. Generally, the prior art also describes apparatusesand methods where the aerosol is generated by one or more ultrasonictransducers located below the surface of a reservoir containing aliquid. The output of the transducers is focused to either a pointand/or directed toward an area near the surface of the liquid to cause asurface disturbance, which results in the formation of an aerosol fromthe liquid. The transducers used in these apparatuses are typically madefrom lead-zirconate-titanate-four (PZT-4) or other piezoelectricmaterials. This material is coated with a conductive coating (i.e., anelectrode material) that enables an electrical signal to energize thetransducer and causes it to emit high frequency pressure (energy).

G.B. Patent No. 1,128,245, (Rosdahl et al., 1968) which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, including any references citedtherein, describes a device for disinfecting apparatuses andinstruments, including medical instruments. This apparatus alsogenerates a mist of disinfectant, including hydrogen peroxide, by meansof an ultrasonic aerosol generator. According to Rosdahl et al., thispatent was “primarily adapted for the disinfection of small medicalinstruments such as scalpels, tongs, syringes, or the like, positionedon a grid in a container” (pg 3 col. 23-30). However, another separateintended use for a second described apparatus was for disinfectinginterior surfaces of objects such as the interior of tubing used for“breathing apparatuses” and “heart lung machines” (pg 1 ln 30-36 and pg2 ln 95-101).

Rosdahl et al. is clearly distinguished from the present invention inthat it is silent with respect to simultaneously disinfecting both theinterior and exterior surfaces of an object. Rosdahl et al. also doesnot teach a method for simultaneously sterilizing/disinfecting anddrying the outside and interior surfaces/lumen of an object. Mostimportantly, Rosdahl et al. does not teach how the apparatus couldeffectively and efficaciously be “connected” to the object (pg 2 ln95-101) in a way that enables all of the interfaced/articulated surfacesto be sanitized, disinfected, high level disinfected, or sterilized. Thepressurized air in Rosdahl et al. is supplied by way of a fan etc. orcarrier gas, (pg 2 ln 48-49) and is used to both move the generatedaerosol to perform the disinfection function, and to dry the objectsplaced within the enclosed area of their described apparatus afterdisinfection. Rosdahl et al. incorporated “a heating element to dry theair in the flow path of the carrier gas, to increase drying efficiency”(pg 3 ln. 123-127). The use of a heating element in the flow path of agas stream taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,616 (Sheiman, 1999), isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including anyreferences cited therein. Sheiman also teaches the use of ultrasonictransducers to generate aerosol. The heater is located about the inletconduit of the apparatus and is designed to heat the aerosol, whichencourages its condensation on or within the article. It is important tonote that Sheiman is silent regarding the use of the apparatus or asecondary apparatus to interface and sanitize, disinfect, high-leveldisinfect, or sterilize, the interior of an object or device, as well asthe simultaneous or non-simultaneous cleaning of both the interior andexterior of objects.

Ultrasonic nebulizers have a unique advantage in that they can createsmall aerosol droplets less than 5 microns in size. The size of thedroplets enables them to penetrate small cracks and crevices and tobehave like a gas due to Brownian movement and diffusion. In addition,the cloud is able to form a very thin coating, deposition, or film overvarious surfaces that are inherent to this technology and method. Thethin coating, film, or deposition of sterilant or disinfectant is ableto dry much faster than coatings created by aerosol containing dropletsthat are much larger in diameter. It is also theorized that the vaporcomponent resulting from the evaporation of the droplets, contributes tothe overall efficacy of the process.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,125, (Kodera et al., 1980), which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, including any references citedtherein, teaches that heated H2O2 is more efficacious than H2O2 used atroom temperature (col. 1, line 19-25). In other words, (Kodera et al.,1980) teaches that the efficacious nature of a liquid agent can beincreased as it is heated to temperatures higher than ambienttemperature. This is desired, without limitation, in the presentinvention. The text entitled, “Aerosol Technology” by William C. Hinds(1982), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,including any references cited therein, also taught that the size of theaerosol particles produced by ultrasounic means are not only affected bythe frequency of the transducer operation, but also by the surfacetension and density of the liquid.

It is commonly known that heating a liquid to a temperature less thanits boiling point will reduce its surface tension. William C. Hinds(1982) established that the higher the temperature of the liquid, thelower the liquid's surface tension, resulting in smaller sized aerosolparticles. This principal is incorporated without limitation, in thepresent invention. In the same text he also taught that smaller diameterparticles demonstrate characteristics such as but not limited to, alower settling velocity, a higher diffusion coefficient, and a higherBrownian displacement (movement), which is desired, without limitation,in the present invention. Hinds further taught that ultrasonic aerosolgenerating transducers can heat the surrounding liquid (page 382). Thisis also desired, without limitation, in the present invention.

It has been difficult and time consuming applying current devices andmethods to disinfect or sterilize both the exterior and interiorsurfaces of tools or equipment, e.g., endoscopes, in a single cleaningcycle or process due to their complex construction including narrowlumens of various lengths. The limitations of the prior art are furtherindicated by the failure or problems, which variousanti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agents or substances have incontacting, and/or rapidly achieving an efficacious result on thesurfaces of the endoscope or object that are interfaced/articulated withany coupling(s) or other device.

“Flash” sterilization is also needed in industries such as, but notlimited to the health care industry. It is commonly used for quicksterilization and turn around of various objects immediately needed foror during surgery. Flash sterilization methods that include the use ofsteam under pressure at recommended temperatures of approximately 270degree Fahrenheit for approximately three to ten (3 to 10) minutes, aregenerally representative of the current art. The object that is flashsterilized must then cool down before it is used, taking valuable time.A need exists in the industry to further reduce the total amount of timeit takes to clean, sterilize or disinfect, and deliver a surgical toolon demand within a reasonable period of time. The present invention can,without limitation, decrease the total cycle time needed for rapidsterilization of medical devices by providing a means to quicklysterilize or disinfect objects whose construction materials arethermally sensitive and cannot be flash sterilized by current means.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention address the needfor a quick and effective way to fully sanitize, detoxify, disinfect,high level disinfect, or sterilize both the interior and exterior ofmedical devices, and objects. In addition, this may without limitation,be accomplished while still enabling all surfaces of the object orendoscope to have contact with the anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidalagent(s) or substance(s) including surfaces of the object or endoscopethat are interfaced/articulated with any coupling(s) or other device.

There is a continued need to increase both the efficacy andeffectiveness of a system that offers shortened cycle times. The presentinvention addresses these issues. One such means in the presentinvention utilizes thermal forces by cooling or decreasing thetemperature of the objects themselves, the atmosphere in which theyreside, or the targeted area for the administration of an aerosol aswell any surfaces in that area, prior to the administration of theaerosol.

Prior art has taught the step of cooling an enclosed area and itssurfaces before the administration of a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant,however the hydrogen peroxide was first vaporized into a gaseous statebefore its administration, and the cooling step was intended to condensethe vaporized hydrogen peroxide onto the intended surfaces, as taught inU.S. Pat. No. 4,512,951 (Koubek et al., 1983), which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, including any references citedtherein. More specifically, Koubek et al., teaches a method ofsterilization where a liquid of aqueous hydrogen peroxide is vaporized,and the vapors are delivered into an evacuated sterilizer chamber. Thearticles to be sterilized are cooled prior to the introduction of thevapor (or are cooled by the evacuation of air from the sterilizing zone)to a temperature below the dew point of the entering vapors. Thecondensing vapor deposits a film of liquid on all such cool surfaces(col 2, line 40-51). Koubek et al., also mentions in Claim 2 that theresult of vaporization was a mixed “gaseous vapor” consisting ofhydrogen peroxide and water vapor free of solid contaminants.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,370 (Cummings et al., 1988), which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, including any references citedtherein, teaches a similar method of sterilization where a liquid ofaqueous hydrogen peroxide is also vaporized into a gaseous state beforeits administration into an evacuated sterilizer chamber. However,Cummings et al., teaches improvements to the art where the hydrogenperoxide-water vapor is applied under vacuum to surfaces that are below10 degree centigrade, or surfaces in an environment that are both below10 degree centigrade and above 10 degree centigrade. The cold surfacesmentioned in Cummings et al., were not cooled to accentuate or enhancethe process, but were surfaces of components that were inherently coldfor their own operational purposes. This is mentioned in sections suchas (col 2, line 4-9), (col 2, line 29-33), and (col 4, line 67 to col 5,line 2).

U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0042130 A1 (Lin et al., 2003), which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including anyreferences cited therein, claims the use of an applied vacuum to move anultrasonically derived aerosol, consisting of a sterilant, throughoutthe area of an enclosed chamber. The use of vacuum pressures belowatmospheric pressure was also mentioned as well as the possibility thatvacuum pressures lower than 5 torrs lower than atmospheric pressurewould likely “enhance the results”, and that using a vacuum pressure lowenough to vaporize the sterilant generally enhances sterilization (pg.2, paragraph 28). However, Lin et al, was silent with respect to how thelower vacuum pressures would “enhance the results” other than anyenhancement that vaporization of the aerosol might bring. Lin et al, wasalso silent with respect to the amount of time that is needed to elapsebetween lowering the pressure within the enclosed chamber and theapplication of an aerosol, in order to obtain the needed or desiredlevel of efficacy. (Lin et al., 2003) was silent with respect to coolingany surfaces within the sterilization chamber or applying the aerosol toany cooled surfaces.

It is important to note that Lin et al, did not mention any process ormethod to heat the liquid of the aerosol or cool the surfaces in thesterilization chamber before or during the delivery of the aerosol, orany means to encourage condensation if the liquid was vaporized. Infact, the 5 torr negative pressure that was used by Lin et al. togenerate their findings was reported to be sufficient enough to dispersethe mist within the sterilization chamber (pg. 2, paragraph 28), but wasnever mentioned to have cooled the surfaces within the sterilizationchamber or to have that intended effect.

In addition, it is important to note that the cooling of a targetedenvironment(s) and/or the surfaces contained therein addressed by thepresent invention is intended, without limitation, for a completelydifferent application and purpose. The present invention utilizes theprincipals of aerosol behavior to increase the performance of theprocess of the present invention, and not the condensation of a gas astaught in the prior art. This is further addressed in the presentinvention.

By comparison, the current invention utilizes, without limitation, thecooling of the targeted environment(s) and its surfaces to enhance theperformance and efficacy of the aerosol administration process and notto condense a gas as taught by the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a combination of variousapparatuses and methods for the sanitization, disinfection, high leveldisinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exteriorsurfaces of an object or medical device, including any articulatingsurfaces of interest, or plurality of objects within one or more closedspace(s), closed system of space(s), or chamber(s), of any space, size,shape, configuration, or construction, that is either sealed or unsealed(Hereinafter called “sterilization chamber”). In order to accomplishthis, anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) arefirst created, generated, and/or administered into the sterilizationchamber. It is preferred without limitation, that the objects, e.g.,endoscopes, are washed according to the manufacturer's recommendationsor methods common to the industry, before being placed inside of thesterilization chamber. However, the washing and cleaning activities canalso take place within the sterilization chamber prior to theapplication of the anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agents(s) orsubstance(s).

According to an embodiment, any anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidalagent(s) or substance(s) to be applied or used (hereinafter “appliedagent” or “applied agent(s)”), may be in the form of a gas, vapor,plasma, or aerosol. It is preferred, without limitation, in the presentinvention that the “applied agent” is an aerosol, including, but notlimited to, any acidic oxidizer, generated by one or more ultrasonicnebulizer(s). Transducers of any geometry, frequency, or constructionmay be used. The aerosol may be created by any means and may be of anyconcentration, number, size, or density; however it is preferred,without limitation, that the aerosol generally includes droplets whosesize is five micron or less. It is preferred without limitation that theaerosol has a higher rather than lower mass concentration or density ofdroplets. In addition, any substance may be applied to neutralize anychemical residue on the interior or exterior of an object and/or device.

As previously discussed, the prior art is limited because of thedifficulty that an “applied agent” has in reaching the interior surfacesof objects, lumen or channels found in an endoscope in a short period oftime. Quicker turn-around times may be accomplished by improving thecurrent art by means including, but not limited to: decreasing theprocessing time or exposure time to the “applied agent”, and decreasingthe drying time of the object.

The prior art is further limited because of the difficulty of the“applied agent” or substance to reach surfaces that areinterfaced/articulated with a coupling(s) or other devices orcomponents.

The present invention addresses the failure of the prior art to treatthe articulating surfaces of an endoscope and coupling by incorporatingan innovative porous and/or permeable interface between the endoscopeand coupling. This innovative porous and/or permeable interface assuresthat the “applied agent” is able to reach the entirety of the internalspaces and surfaces, including endoscope lumens, channels, internal andexternal spaces and surfaces. One of the critical features of thissolution is the design of the interface between the supply of negativeor positive air/gas pressure used to bring the “applied agent”(s) andthe surfaces of the endoscope. The porous and/or permeable interface ofthe present invention not only provides the necessary positive ornegative air/gas pressure, but more importantly, it is able to do sowhile still insuring that all of the surfaces including the interfacehave sufficient exposure to the “applied agent”. While this innovativesystem and method could be applied to other forced air sterilizationsystems/“applied agent(s)”, it is preferred in the present inventionthat transducer based ultrasonic nebulization is utilized. It is alsoimportant to note that this particular aspect of the present inventioncould easily be adapted for use with any “applied agent” that can beapplied to any surfaces of a device or endoscope in liquid form such as,but not limited to, a jet or stream of disinfecting or sterilizingliquid or mixture of liquids as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,815,(Parker et al., 1995) incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

These advantages include, but are not limited to: 1) the ability tooffer large chambers in which the devices to be disinfected can bepositioned and treated without the technical challenges and costsassociated with EtO and plasma; 2) the ability to build simple glass orplastic see-through chambers; 3) the ability to incorporate the additionof one or more polymer glove(s) or finger(s), built into the wall(s) ofthe closed space or sterilization chamber (similar in purpose and designto what is found in common laboratory or industrial glove boxes); 4) avery rapid processing times associated with the ultrasonically-generatedaerosols, and 5) the ability to utilize a wide range of liquiddisinfection or sterilization agents or mixtures of agents.

The aerosol created by the ultrasonic nebulizer(s) is generated by oneor more ultrasonic transducers located below the surface of a liquidagent. The transducer(s) energy output is focused to either a pointand/or an area near the surface of the liquid causing a surfacedisturbance, which results in the formation of an aerosol of the agent.Each transducer used in this apparatus is made fromlead-zirconate-titanate-four (PZT-4), or other piezoelectric materials.The transducer(s) are operated in the frequency range of 0.001 to 10.0MHz. The resultant aerosol is then evacuated from the reservoir and/orchamber in which it is generated, by a blower or other source ofpressurized air, and moved into the designated or targeted space orclosed area or chamber (hereinafter “sterilization chamber”). After itsutilization in disinfecting or sterilizing a tool/device, the aerosolcan then be circulated back to the aerosol generation chamber. This istaught in U.S. patents Kodera et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,125 andSheiman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,616. Recirculation can also be applied toany gas, plasma, vapor, aerosol, or other form of an “applied agent” orsubstance. The aerosolized agent within the sterilization chamber may bemoved within the chamber by a blower, fan, or other source ofpressurized air.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,125, (Kodera et al., 1980), which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, including any references citedtherein, describes an improved method and device involving ultrasonicnebulization that includes a means to heat the liquid which isnebulized. Kodera et al. teaches that heated H2O2 was more efficaciousthan H2O2 used at room temperature (col. 1, line 19-25). In other words,the efficacious nature of a liquid agent can be increased as it isheated to temperatures higher than ambient temperature. It is preferred,without limitation, that this advancement in the art is incorporatedinto the present invention.

Sheiman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,616 also improves upon the art byincorporating a heating element operatively coupled to the inlet of theclosed area or sterilization chamber. According to Sheiman, the purposeof the heating element is to provide a means for effecting condensationof the aerosol within or on the article. This could also be incorporatedinto the present invention as described.

An embodiment of the present invention includes, without limitation, apossible means for radiating heat that is either operatively coupled toand/or about the outlet(s) of the closed area or sterilization chamber,or anywhere past the said outlet(s) and along the path of the air andaerosol as it is recirculated from the closed space or sterilizationchamber back into the aerosol generation chamber(s). The purpose of thisembodiment is to further diminish the diameter of the aerosol dropletsbefore they reach the interior of the aerosol generation chamber(s).Heating, or other means to encourage rapid evaporation of the aerosoldroplet will reduce the possibility of coalescence.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes, withoutlimitation, the possible addition of a means to heat the floor withinthe closed space or sterilization chamber. A heated plate(s) could alsobe placed in this location. The purpose of having a heated surface atthe bottom of the closed space or sterilization chamber is to repel thedownward trajectory of the aerosol droplets as a result of gravity orthermal forces. In addition, droplets that contact the heated surface(s)may be re-energized or transformed into a vapor. This will contribute tothe efficacious nature of the overall process and further decreaseaggregate settling velocity. It is important to note that care should betaken in the placement of this heated surface so that an item(s) placedin the chamber is not itself heated. Increased heat of an object ordevice will cause the droplets to be repelled and will correspondentlyreduce the efficacy of the process.

An apparatus and method of another embodiment of the present inventioncomprises placing one or more endoscope(s), tool(s) or object(s), in aclosed space or sterilization chamber with the addition of a means toenable the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high leveldisinfection, or sterilization of the interior area or surfaces,lumen(s), and/or channel(s) of the endoscope(s) or object(s). This meansis able to interface or connect positive air/gas pressure or negativeair/gas pressure (vacuum) line(s) with an object or endoscope inside ofthe sterilization chamber, and move “applied agent”(s) or substance(s)through the entire object or endoscope with sufficient volume andvelocity without compromising the ability to treat contaminated areas orsurfaces under or between that interface or connection and the medicaldevice. It is preferred, without limitation, that the aforementionedobject be washed, cleaned, or rinsed, prior to being placed into thesterilization chamber.

This particular embodiment utilizes an innovative pressure interfaceassembly including a coupling and interface or interface materialcombination that is unique for this application. This assembly isinterfaced/articulated with the open end of the object or the distal endof the endoscope where the lumen/ports/working channels exit.

The pressure interface assembly has a number of components that include,without limitation, a porous and/or permeable interface or interfacematerial (hereinafter called “interface”) and a coupling. The couplingmay be constructed from various materials such as but not limited tostainless steel, glass, cellulose, polyolefin, paper, polymer, naturalor manufactured fibers or materials, that may be coated or uncoated, orconstructed with combinations of these materials, or other materialsknown in the art. The coupling may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.The coupling may have one or more ports or other means for attachingtubes, hose, pipes, duct, tunnels, conduit etc. (hereinafter called“delivery pipe”) that supply air, gas, or the “applied agent” to thevarious spaces and surfaces of the pressure interface assembly andendoscope, including without limitation their internal spaces andsurfaces, under positive or negative pressure.

The interface assembly may be used, without limitation, to dry theendoscope or to push or pull the “applied agent”(s) or substance(s)through any of its internal spaces, lumen or channels. The coupling canbe designed so that one end is able to fit over an end of the endoscopeand the other end of the coupling is designed to interface or connectwith the delivery pipe. The coupling may also have various opening sizeson one end and various opening sizes on the other. The end of thecoupling that is designed to fit over an end of an endoscope can alsohave one or more openings of various shapes and geometries. This openingcan control the negative or positive air/gas flow or pressure in or outof the coupling. The internal dimensions of the coupling are designed toallow it to fit over the end of the endoscope and interface/articulatewith the interface that is positioned between the coupling and theendoscope. The thickness of the coupling as well as the material(s) fromwhich it is constructed, may also contribute to the efficaciousperformance of the interrelationship between the coupling, interface andendoscope, and their surfaces.

The interface is designed so that its internal dimensions provide asufficiently tight fit with the outside dimensions of the endoscope orobject. Attributes such as, but not limited to the width, thickness,porosity and/or permeability, flow of “applied agent” or gas,absorbency, as well as other chemical, mechanical, and physical(including durometer) properties of the interface may also contribute toan effective interface. The interface is either slipped over the end ofthe endoscope or at least a portion is mounted inside of the coupling,or combinations thereof. The coupling is then fitted over the end of theendoscope so that the endoscope interfaces sufficiently with theinterface material and the interface material interfaces sufficientlywith the coupling. The coupling is designed so that its internaldimensions provide a sufficient fit with both the contacted interfacematerial and the endoscope. In certain situations, the thickness of thecoupling material may also contribute to a sufficiently sealed orinterfaced system.

Attributes such as but not limited to the interface material utilized,porosity and/or permeability of the interface, absorbency of theinterface, as well as other chemical, mechanical, and physical(including durometer) properties, the interface thickness and width, thefit of the interface to the endoscope or object, the pressure exerted bythe fit of the coupling to the interface and endoscope or object, andthe distance the coupling overlaps on the interface material, controlthe rate of air/gas flow through the interface which then directlyimpacts the air/gas pressure differential between the inside and outsideof the coupling.

It is important that the air/gas pressure differential be controlled sothat a sufficient air/gas pressure differential exists to achieve ananti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal effect on both the area andsurfaces under the interface and the internal surfaces inside of theendoscope. These variables can be optimized for each object or endoscopeconfiguration and coupling configuration based on, but not limited to,its external and interior dimensions, choice of permeable and/or porousmaterial, internal area, and number, size and length of their interiorareas.

There are two main components or features of an effective interface inthis assembly. First, the interface must be porous or permeable. Thisallows the “applied agent” to pass through it. The air/gas, as well asthe “applied agent” (if applicable) may also, without limitation, passthrough the interface at a controlled and/or limited, but effectualrate. The passage of the “applied agent” through the interface materialallows the area and surfaces under the interface material to be exposedto, and acted upon, by the “applied agent” in order to achieve thedesired level of sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high leveldisinfection, or sterilization. The interface may have absorbentcharacteristics to improve its efficacy. The composition of theinterface material is not limited to but could be as simple as cottongauze or some other substrate made of natural or manufactured fibers.The interface may also be constructed from one or more layers of variousmaterials or combinations of materials such as but not limited to,cloth, gauze, manufactured fibers, synthetic fibers, natural fibers ormaterials, cellulose, polyolefin, polymer, or other materials known inthe art, in order to control attributes such as, but not limited to,absorbency, and the flow rate or passage of the “applied agent” throughthe interface material as desired.

The limitation and/or control of the rate of flow of air/gas and/or“applied agent” allows the present invention to create an effectivenegative or positive air/gas pressure to move the “applied agent”through the interior space, lumens, and/or channels of the endoscope, aswell as through the interface. For instance, if a vacuum is applied tothe coupling interfaced/articulated with the interface material, the“applied agent” will be pulled through both the interface materialand/or the areas of articulation as well through the interior spaceand/or lumens or channels with sufficient velocity to assureanti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal activity on the surfacesthroughout the length of the interior area, lumen, or working channelsof the object or endoscope and in the area and on the surfaces under theinterface.

The second feature of an effective interface involves the applicationand/or control of an effective pressure exerted on the interface as itcontacts the object or endoscope. This assures a sufficient flow of“applied agent” through all areas of the interface and results inobtaining the desired level of sanitization, detoxification,disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of the entirearea and surfaces under the interface. It is preferred withoutlimitation that the pressure exerted on the interface is evenlydistributed.

According to another embodiment, the applied pressure is effectual andefficacious. The exerted pressure on the interface can result from theinterface/articulation of the coupling and interface material with theendoscope. The effectiveness of the interface/articulation may also beaugmented or optimized by the application, bonding, or interposition ofone or more layers of various materials or combinations of materialssuch as but not limited to, cloth, gauze, manufactured fibers, syntheticfibers, natural fibers or materials, cellulose, polyolefin, polymer, orother materials known in the art. The exerted pressure on the interfacematerial can result from, or be further controlled or optimized, by theinterface/articulation of the coupling and interface material with theobject or endoscope. It may be further controlled or optimized by theuse of an inflatable pillow, balloon, bladder, reservoir, or otherinflatable or expandable means or material (hereinafter called“balloon”) between the coupling and interface material, between theendoscope and the interface material, between the endoscope and thecoupling, on the internal surface of the interface, and/or around thecoupling. The balloon can be constructed of and/or have its outermostlayer constructed of this interface material and function as theinterface layer. In either case involving the balloon, varying theamount of pressure inside of the balloon controls the pressure exertedon the interface. Additional means may be used to exert pressure on thecoupling, interface material, and endoscope in order to create at leasta minimum working interface. For example, a clamp that fits over and isused to apply pressure to the coupling, interface material and endoscopemay be used to create a sufficient working interface. In anotherexample, a ring of material can be incorporated into the coupling andthe ring in a manner to exert evenly distributed pressure on theinterface material.

It is also possible to exclude the interface component of the pressureinterface assembly, and cause the coupling to function as an interfaceto the endoscope; this feature represents an embodiment of the pressureinterface assembly in its simplest form. In this alternative, the entirecoupling, part of the coupling, or the end of the coupling thatinterfaces with the object or endoscope, is constructed from, or islaminated, glued, cemented, adhered, or otherwise attached, to theinterface. Effective and preferably evenly distributed pressure can beexerted on the interface material by means previously discussed, and caninclude, but not limited to the exertion of pressure by the inflation ofan inflatable pillow, balloon, bladder, reservoir, or other inflatableor expandable means or material (balloon) either between the interfacelayer and the coupling, inside of the coupling walls, or on the exteriorsurfaces of the coupling. Everything previously discussed pertaining tothe coupling and seal material applies to this embodiment. In general,the coupling is designed, constructed, treated, or processed, so that apressure differential is able to be established that results in theeffective flow of an applied agent or substance through both theinterior space of the endoscope and the interface that is in contactwith the endoscope, resulting in ananti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal effect on areas and surfaces thatinclude, but are not limited to, the areas and surfaces surrounding andunder the seal material.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes the supply ofair/gas, that is under either negative or positive pressure, to thepressure interface assembly by using a means such as, but not limitedto, a vacuum pump, air/gas pump, pressurized air source, fan, or blower.This air pressure serves several functions. First, the positive and/ornegative air/gas pressure can be applied to the pressure interfaceassembly at the beginning and/or end of the treatment, sanitization,detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilizationcycle, or at any time during the entire cycle, in order to move air/gasor dry and/or heated air/gas through the interior space, lumens, and/orchannels of the endoscope. This will remove any moisture present inthese areas. One or more heating element(s) placed in the air streambefore the pressure interface assembly can also, without limitation,provide heated air (Rosdahl et al. pg 3 Col. 123-127). It is preferred,without limitation, that any air from outside of the sterilizationchamber that is pulled, drawn, pushed, or otherwise moved into thesterilization chamber and/or the endoscope be filtered before its entryinto the sterilization chamber and endoscope. Any high efficiency filtersuch as a HEPA filter(s) or other filter(s) that is known to thoseskilled in the art and/or is acceptable in the industry may be used. Theair/gas may be filtered with any type of filter acceptable to thoseskilled in the art before its exit from the sterilization chamber. Theobject or endoscope may be dried by heated and/or dehumidified airwithin the sterilization chamber and/or before its entry into thesterilization chamber.

The positive air/gas pressure or negative air/gas pressure is alsointended, without limitation, to move the “applied agent” or substancethrough the interior space of the endoscope as well as through theinterface and the area under the interface. It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that if a negative air/gas pressure is supplied to thecoupling that a pressure differential is established. This will cause,without limitation, the flow of air/gas and “applied agent” or substancefrom the sterilization chamber, to pass through the interface material,the area under the interface, the internal space within the endoscope,and into the coupling. Once in the coupling, the air/gas and/or “appliedagent” flows into the attached tubes, hose, pipes, duct, tunnels,conduit, or delivery pipe, where it is eventually vented back into thesterilization chamber, or through a filter and into the outsideenvironment.

The “applied agent” may also, without limitation, flow into the couplingunder positive air/gas pressure. It is preferred, without limitation,that the “applied agent” or substance is pulled from the sterilizationchamber, or a chamber where it is generated, and flowed into thecoupling via the attached tubes, hose, pipes, duct, tunnels, conduit, ordelivery pipe. It then flows, without limitation, out of the interfacematerial, the area under the interface material, and through theinternal space within the object or endoscope, and into thesterilization chamber. If generated in a chamber separate from thesterilization chamber, the “applied agent” or substance in this case,can without limitation, be separately delivered into the sterilizationchamber.

Another embodiment of the current invention is the incorporation,positioning, or placement, of one or more biological indicator(s) and/orchemical exposure indicator(s) in or articulated with the pressureinterface assembly. It is preferred in the present invention that theindicator(s) is placed or positioned inside the coupling. Theindicator(s) provides a method of assuring that proper sanitization,detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilizationhas occurred within the pressure interface assembly.

An apparatus and method of another embodiment of the invention comprisesthe incorporation of a means to flow or circulate either filtered orunfiltered air/gas from outside of the apparatus into the sterilizationchamber. This air/gas can also be flowed through the interior space,lumens, and/or channels of the endoscope inside of the sterilizationchamber by using the same means that is used to supply positive ornegative air/gas pressure to the pressure interface assembly that isinterfaced with the endoscope. This air may be heated to remove moisturefrom any of the surfaces of the endoscope(s) within the sterilizationchamber as well as the surfaces of their interior areas, lumen orchannel(s). This activity can occur at any time including, but notlimited to, before the application of the “applied agent” or substance.In addition, and without limitation, the completion of this activity atthe end of the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high leveldisinfection, or sterilization cycle can reduce the entirecycle/processing time. When an “applied agent” or substance is applied,such as but not limited to an aerosol, this activity can also reduce therelative humidity in the sterilization chamber to ambient or belowambient levels. The incoming air can be, without limitation, effectivelyfiltered with the use of any high efficiency filtering process, or otherfiltering means known in the art. The sterilization chamber can also be,without limitation, coupled to a filtered exhaust system to allow theincoming filtered air to replace air inside the chamber.

An apparatus and method of another embodiment of the present inventioncomprises the incorporation and use of any apparatus or methods know tothose skilled in the art, to remove humidity from within thesterilization chamber(s) or other targeted area(s). This should not beconfused with a fan or blower that was previously mentioned. Thedehumidification apparatus may, without limitation, be placed orinterface with or within the sterilization chamber(s) or other connectedareas or spaces. The dehumidification apparatus may be operated any timeafter the application of the “applied agent”. After the endoscopeprocessing steps are completed and the sterilization chamber(s) or othertargeted area(s) are dehumidified, the air/gas within these spaces maybe filtered to remove substances such as, but not limited to, anyremaining odors, chemicals, smells, vapors, aerosols, or gases. Anyfiltering means or level of filtering may be utilized that is known tothose skilled in the art. The processed air/gas may be, withoutlimitation, returned back to the sterilization chamber(s) or anyspace(s) connected to the sterilization chamber(s). This feature allows,without limitation, the system or process to be self-contained until thesterilization chamber is opened at the end of the operation cycle.

An apparatus and method of another embodiment of the present inventioncomprises the incorporation of a means for holding or positioning theendoscope so that all of its surfaces are exposed to the “applied agent”and drying cycle. An apparatus and method of another embodiment of thepresent invention comprises the inclusion of a means for holding orpositioning the endoscope during the sterilization cycle. Currently manysanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, orsterilization systems cannot adequately address the problem withshadowing, or inadequate coverage, when one hard or impenetrable surfacecontacts another.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope isheld about its circumference with a loop, band or it is cradled, in oneor more places with a porous, permeable, semi-permeable and/or absorbentmaterial and the remaining material is then placed on hooks or otherholding mechanisms positioned within the sterilization chamber so thatthe object or endoscope can hang in free space within the sterilizationchamber. Without limitation, previous tests have shown that certainporous materials like glassine have shown sufficient permeability withthis process to obtain a high level of disinfection on the internal sideof the barrier material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the endoscopeis placed on one or more beams or forks (hereinafter “Start Beams”) thatare located within the sterilization chamber. These beams or forks canbe of various sizes and shapes and interplay or loosely interlock withopposing beams or forks (hereinafter “Opposing Beams”) that can be ofsimilar shape and size. During the application of the “applied agent”either the “Start Beam(s)” or “Opposing Beam(s)” move by way of variousmechanical means know in the art, and take hold of the endoscope so thatit is transferred from the Start Beams to the Opposing Beams or from theOpposing Beams to the Start Beams. This process can be reversed duringthe drying cycle(s). This process can be timed so that all surfacesreceive a sufficient or efficacious exposure to both the “applied agent”and drying cycle.

According to an embodiment, it is more preferred, without limitation,that one or more endoscopes is placed within an enclosed area, chamber,or sterilization chamber, and the internal and external surfaces of theendoscope are simultaneously or non-simultaneously subjected to variouscombinations of activities including, but not limited to, washing,cleaning, rinsing, drying, disinfection/sterilization, in variousorders, frequency, and duration. Some of these activities may not beundertaken. This embodiment improves the current methodology for thedisinfection or sterilization of an endoscope.

The initial processing or cleaning of an endoscope in this embodimentincorporates activities already known to those skilled in the art. Theseactivities may include, but are not limited to, (1) Wiping, or otherwisecleaning the endoscope in various ways known to those skilled in theart, to remove liquids, debris, contaminants, blood, mucus, feces,urine, or any other substances that are unwanted or undesirable; (2)Placing the endoscope into a chamber, washer, or other device or meansfor cleaning, washing, or otherwise disinfecting/sterilizing endoscopesor other objects (hereinafter called “washer”); (3) Securing or holdingthe endoscope within the washer, (4) Interfacing the endoscope with ahose, tube, or other delivery means known to those skilled in the art(hereinafter “supply tube”) in which the supply tube enables variousliquids including, but not limited to, surfactants, and high purityrinse water, to be moved through the various channels and lumen of theendoscope at various stages of the cleaning process; (5) Operating thewasher to spray, cover, flood, or any combination thereof, of the insideor outside surfaces of an endoscope with liquids or compounds such as,but not limited to, surfactants or other cleaning liquids; (6) Operatingthe washer to subject, spray, cover, flood, or any combination thereof,various surfaces such as but not limited to, the inside and outsidesurfaces of the endoscope, with liquids or compounds such as, but notlimited to, any liquid rinse (hereafter “rinse” or “rinse water”), whichmay be formed of any liquids or combination of liquids such as, but isnot limited to, high purity water.

In order to improve the art and decrease the endoscope processing time,improvements are made after this particular “rinse” activity to thecurrent art and are shown in the following embodiments. The endoscopeprocessing or cleaning is completed in the current art by the followingactivities: (7) Applying a disinfectant to both the interior andexterior surfaces of the endoscope in various ways known to skilled inthe art such as, but not limited to, pumping or spraying onto thevarious internal and external endoscope surfaces; (8) Rinsing theinterior and exterior surfaces of the endoscope in various ways known toskilled in the art such as, but not limited to, pumping or spraying highpurity water onto the various internal and external endoscope surfaces;(9) In many applications the endoscope surfaces may also, withoutlimitation, be rinsed in a manner known to those skilled in the art,with a volatile solution such as, but not limited to, alcohol, and thiscan also replace the high purity rinse water mentioned above; (10)Drying the internal and external surfaces in a manner known to thoseskilled in the art; (11) Removal of the endoscope from the washer orchamber.

According to an embodiment, after the endoscope is treated withsurfactant and, without limitation, rinse water, its internal andexternal surfaces may, without limitation, be dried before applicationof the “applied agent”. The internal surfaces may, without limitation,be dried with air/gas flow through one or more supply tubes in a mannerknown to those skilled in the art, and the external surfaces may bedried with various means known to those skilled in the art. Theapplication of the “applied agent” may be, without limitation, followedby another rinse water cycle, volatile liquid rinse cycle, and/or dryingcycle. However, to further reduce processing time, it is preferred,without limitation, that the internal and external surfaces of theendoscope are dried in a final drying activity in a manner known tothose skilled in the art, after the application of the “appliedagent”(s). It is possible, without limitation, to skip the final rinsingactivity(s) for reasons including, but not limited to, aerosols such as,but not limited to, ultrasonically derived aerosols, are able to beadministered to the endoscope's surfaces as a thin film of a lowconcentration of peroxyacetic acid, which then breaks down into harmlesscomponents as it dries. This particular embodiment will improve thecurrent art by significantly decreasing the overall processing time, aswell as increasing the efficacy of the process.

According to an embodiment, after the endoscope is cleaned withsurfactant and/or rinsed, the inside and outside surfaces of theendoscope are treated with one or more “applied agent”(s) in the form ofan aerosol. It is preferred, without limitation, that the internal andexternal surfaces of the endoscope be dried in a manner known to thoseskilled in the art, before the applied agent(s) is applied. The “appliedagent”(s) are created, generated, and/or administered in or into thesterilization chamber. It is preferred, without limitation, that theaerosol is any aqueous aerosol that is generated or created by anytransducer or ultrasonic nebulizer of any construction and design. The“applied agent”(s) may be pushed or pulled through the endoscope withvarious means known to those skilled in the art. The agents may be,without limitation, first administered or deployed into thesterilization chamber and then pulled through the endoscope with avacuum or negative air/gas pressure. This particular embodiment willimprove the current art by significantly decreasing the processing time.

According to an embodiment, the “applied agents” may also be, withoutlimitation, in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, or aerosol. The priorart includes the use of pumping, jetting/spraying, or flowing agents asa liquid over the external surfaces as well as through the lumens andchannels of an endoscope for disinfection/sterilization purposes, andare not claimed in the present invention.

According to another embodiment, after the various endoscope surfacesare treated with an agent, the internal surfaces, as well as externalsurfaces of the object or endoscope may be, without limitation, exposedto another rinse liquid comprising one or more liquids that include, butnot limited to high purity water, all in a manner known to those skilledin the art. After the “applied agent” or final rinse liquid is applied,all of the endoscope surfaces may also, without limitation, be rinsedwith a volatile solution such as, but not limited to an alcoholsolution. The endoscope can then be removed from the washer and hung todry.

According to another embodiment, and without limitation, the internaland external surfaces of the endoscope may be dried with means includingbut not limited to, dehumidification of the air within the chamberbefore the endoscope is removed from the washer. The supply tube may,without limitation, provide the air/gas that is used to dry the internalsurfaces, and the various external surfaces are dried in a manner knownto those skilled in the art.

An apparatus and method of an embodiment of the present invention,briefly summarized, comprises cooling or decreasing the temperature ofthe objects, the atmosphere in which they reside, or any or all targetedsurfaces or areas, including the internal surfaces of an object(s) suchas, but not limited to an endoscope, within the sterilizationchamber(s). This is accomplished in the present invention via the use ofone or more, or the combination of one or more, of any thermoelectricand/or refrigeration cooling system(s) to cool or chill any air or gaswithin the sterilization chamber, before and/or during theadministration of the aerosol into the sterilization chamber(s) or otherto targeted area(s). Cool air may also, without limitation, be movedthrough the endoscope or any other object by various means known tothose skilled in the art, as well as addressed in the present invention,before or during the “applied agent” phase or applied aerosol. Thiscooling activity or process enables the present invention to utilize theprincipals of aerosol behavior to increase the efficacy or performanceof the process of the present invention. Aerosol particles experience aforce in the direction of decreasing temperature. By decreasing thesurface temperature of the targeted surfaces, the administered aerosol,and especially an aerosol where the liquid was heated, is drawn towardsthose cooled surfaces forming a microfilm.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the one ormore structures, pillars, members, beams, forks, clamps, or other meansto support, hold, cradle, suspend, position, or support the object(s) orendoscope(s) within the sterilization chamber, can have, withoutlimitation, one or more means incorporated into their construction todisperse, or even pull in, any substances used for processing theobject(s) or endoscope(s) such as, but not limited to, surfactant, rinsewater, high purity rinse water, alcohol solution, “applied agent”(s) inany form, heated air/gas, and dehumidified air/gas. These substances mayflow at any quantity, rate, or pressure. In addition, any part of theone or more structures, members, beams, forks, or other means to hold orsupport the endoscope(s) within the sterilization chamber can be,without limitation, effectively covered with any interface material orcombination of interface materials, through which these substances maymove or flow. This can help to insure that all of the surfaces of theobject(s) or endoscope(s) including the interface material(s), havesufficient exposure to any substances used in the processing steps usedinside of the sterilization chamber.

An apparatus and method of another embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a new and novel way to administer the “applied agent”(s) intoone or more sterilization chamber(s) in which the object(s) orendoscope(s) are positioned. The sterilization chamber(s) can be,without limitation, effectively sealed or enclosed when used, and eachhas one or more valves, airlocks, or other effectively sealing doorknown to those skilled in the art (hereinafter called “valve(s)”). Thevalve(s) either directly or indirectly connect the sterilization chamberto a secondary chamber, as well as control the flow of any aerosol or“applied agent” from the secondary chamber into the sterilizationchamber.

One or more object(s) or endoscope(s) are placed within thesterilization chamber(s), where they can, without limitation, be washedand dried in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The object(s)can, without limitation, also include any package(s) that are sealed,partially sealed, or hermetically sealed. The package(s) can also,without limitation, be constructed from, or include in its construction,at least an effective amount of Tyvek or other similar material. Thepackage(s) can be, without limitation, placed on or and secured to anytype of racks inside of the sterilization chamber(s). Before theapplication of the “applied agent” all surfaces, and environment, withinthe sterilization chamber(s) can be cooled to any temperature, in amanner known to those skilled in the art. Before application of the“applied agent”(s), the pressure within the sterilization chamber(s), orany connecting or shared areas or atmospheres, is reduced to a pressureincluding, but not limited to, any effective negative pressure, butpreferably a full, or close to complete, vacuum. The sterilizationchamber(s) can be, without limitation, positioned inside a larger sealedor at least effectively sealed chamber, enclosed area, or one or moreinterconnected areas (hereinafter called “Secondary Chamber”). The“secondary chamber” can be any size, shape, or geometry. The secondarychamber can, without limitation, be located anywhere outside of thesterilization chamber, and effectively connected to the sterilizationchamber in one or more places. The pressure within this “secondarychamber” can be any pressure including, but not limited to ambientpressure.

However, it is preferred, without limitation, that the pressure withinthe secondary chamber is at least effectively greater than the pressureinside of the sterilization chamber(s). The pressure within thesterilization chamber may, without limitation, be maintained at anyambient or outdoor pressure, or even be slightly pressurized, and the“secondary chamber” can be effectively pressurized in addition to beingfilled with the “applied agent(s)”. The secondary chamber is filled withthe “applied agent”(s), either directly or indirectly. Any or allsurfaces, or the environment, within the secondary chamber can be,without limitation, cooled with refrigerated or chilled air before,during, or after the application of the “applied agent(s)”.

It is preferred, without limitation, that the “applied agent” be anaerosol containing substances including, but not limited to, any acidicoxidizer. Once the secondary chamber is sufficiently and effectivelyfilled, the valve(s) are opened and the “applied agent”(s) is allowed toflow into and fill the sterilization chambers(s). The “applied agent”(s)can also flow, without limitation, through one or more of any filter(s)as it moves from the secondary chamber to the sterilization chamber. Atthis point, the air or gas pressure within the sterilization chamber(s)can be, without limitation, increased to any effective pressure. The airor gas pressure can also be increased in the secondary chamber as well.After the valve(s) are opened, additional amounts of “applied agent”(s)can, without limitation, be administered into the sterilizationchamber(s) and any interconnected areas for any desired time period. Thetemperature of the air or gas(s) within the sterilization chamber(s) andany interconnected areas can also be increased to any effectivetemperature after the valve(s) are opened. Following an effective amountof time, the sterilization chamber(s) can be, without limitation, dried,dehumidified, and deodorized, before removal of the object(s) orendoscope(s).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, and withoutlimitation, an object or endoscope may be initially interfaced with oneor more means to hold, grip, clamp, or otherwise support the object orendoscope (hereinafter “primary grip(s)”) in any angled, or morepreferably a vertical, position or orientation within the closed spaceor sterilization chamber. Before, during, or after, any processingactivities that the object or endoscope may experience inside of thesterilization chamber, the object or endoscope may be transferred to, orinterfaced with, one or more separate or different means to hold, grip,clamp, or otherwise support the object or endoscope (hereinafter“secondary grip(s)”) in any angled, or more preferably a vertical,position or orientation within the sterilization chamber. The “secondarygrip(s)” shall interface with the object or endoscope in a differentlocation than the “primary grip(s)” at least once, for each processingactivity. The object or endoscope may be, without limitation,transferred or passed back and forth between the “primary grips” and“secondary grips” one or more times, during any processing activityinside of the sterilization chamber. Processing activities can include,but are not limited to, the object or endoscope being washed, dried,subjected to the “applied agent”, and dried again. This embodimentprovides an additional way to insure that all surfaces or targetedsurfaces of the object or endoscope are efficaciously exposed to thevarious processing activities, and to prevent untreated or shadowedsurfaces. The time that the object or endoscope is held by either the“primary grips” or “secondary grips” during each processing activity mayvary, but is at least an efficacious amount of time. The pressureinterface assembly may also be, without limitation, interfaced orattached to the object or endoscope when the various “grips” or morespecifically, the “primary grips” and “secondary grips”, are utilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures illustrate the best mode currently contemplated ofpracticing the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a disinfectingapparatus constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the disinfectionapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol generator used in the apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a sterilizationchamber used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a sterilizationchamber used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a sterilizationchamber used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a sterilizationchamber used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of a first embodiment of an objectholder used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of a second embodiment of an objectholder used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of an object holderused in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the object holder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of apressure interface assembly utilized with the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment of apressure interface assembly utilized with the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exploded, perspective view of a third embodiment of apressure interface assembly utilized with the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a sterilization chamber with athermoelectric air or gas cooling system(s) and/or refrigerated air orgas system(s), connected to the sterilization chamber in a loop.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a sterilization chamber with adehumidification apparatus, a filter, and a thermoelectric air or gascooling system(s) and/or refrigerated air or gas system(s), connected tothe sterilization chamber in a loop.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a sterilization chamber with adehumidification apparatus, a filter, a thermoelectric air or gascooling system(s) and/or refrigerated air or gas system(s), and aseparate chamber connected to the sterilization chamber.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a sterilization chamber illustrating asealed door.

FIG. 24 is a top view of a pair of object supports with a plurality ofopenings formed therethrough.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of an endoscope or object resting onobject supports with an aerosol passing through a plurality of openingsin the object supports.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of two sterilization chambers connectedto each other with a pressure valve.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of two sterilization chambers connectedto each with a pressure valve and a flow pipe.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a first sterilization chamber locatedwithin a second sterilization chamber.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a sterilization chamber with arefrigerated air system and vacuum source, connected via a flow pipe andfilter, to a second chamber with a dehumidification apparatus, filter,and aerosol generator. One pipe connects the sterilization chamber tothe aerosol generator forming a loop for gas/aerosol flow back to theaerosol generator.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a sterilization chamber with athermoelectric air or gas cooling system(s) and/or refrigerated air orgas system(s), and vacuum source, connected via a flow pipe, to a secondchamber with a dehumidification apparatus, filter, and aerosolgenerator, and a pressure source. One pipe connects the aerosolgenerator to the pressure interface assembly positioned within thesterilization chamber, while the other pipe connects the sterilizationchamber to the aerosol generator forming a loop for gas/aerosol flowback to the aerosol generator.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of one sterilization chamber with adehumidification apparatus, a filter, and a thermoelectric air or gascooling system(s) and/or refrigerated air or gas system(s). Thesterilization chamber is also connected to two separate pipes. One pipeconnects the aerosol generator to the pressure interface assemblypositioned within the sterilization chamber, while the other pipeconnects the sterilization chamber to the aerosol generator forming aloop for gas/aerosol flow back to the aerosol generator.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of one sterilization chamber with adehumidification apparatus, a filter, a thermoelectric air or gascooling system(s) and/or refrigerated air or gas system(s), and apressure source. The sterilization chamber is connected to one pipe thatconnects the aerosol generator directly to the sterilization chamber,forming a closed loop system for air/gas flow.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of one sterilization chamber with adehumidification apparatus, a filter, and also incorporates a sensorconsisting of a light source and a light-sensing component. Thesterilization chamber is connected to one pipe that connects the aerosolgenerator directly to the sterilization chamber, forming a closed loopsystem for air/gas flow.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of an enclosed chamber with a singleprimary grip retained on a first linear positioning device and a singlesecondary grip retained on a second linear positioning device forretaining an object to be treated.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of an enclosed chamber with two primarygrips and two secondary grips retained on a single linear positioningdevice for retaining an object to be treated.

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of an enclosed chamber with two primarygrips retained on a first linear positioning device and two secondarygrips retained on a second linear positioning device for retaining anobject to be treated.

FIG. 37 a is a schematic diagram of a primary grip retaining an objectin an enclosed chamber and an open secondary grip.

FIG. 37 b is a schematic diagram of a secondary grip retaining an objectin an enclosed chamber with an open primary grip.

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of a grip retained on a linearpositioning device.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a grip for retaining an object to betreated.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of two primary grips retaining an objectand a secondary grip positioned below each primary grip.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of two secondary grips retaining an objectand a primary grip positioned above each secondary grip.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of two gripping fingers with one or moreopenings.

FIG. 43 is a side view of two gripping fingers with one or more openingsand agent flowing through the one or more openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawing figures in which like referencenumerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure, the inventionbroadly comprises methods and apparatuses for the sanitization,detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilizationof both the interior and exterior surfaces of any object such as, butnot limited to, an endoscope (01) or plurality of endoscopes (01) (FIG.5) within one or more closed space(s), closed system of space(s), orchamber(s) (herein called “sterilization chamber”) (16), as well as and,without limitation, their surrounding atmosphere.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,641,130 and 7,871,016 both to Ricciardi et al. and U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 12/567,428 and 12/637,310 both to Ricciardiet al. are all herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This is achieved or attained by the generation and/or administration ofan “applied agent”, or mixtures of these agent(s) or substance(s), in orinto the sterilization chamber (16) in which the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) is positioned or placed. It is more preferred, withoutlimitation, that the “applied agent” or substance is in the form of anaqueous aerosol (65) that is generated by way of one or more ultrasonicdevice(s) (19), an example of which is shown in FIG. 3 and disclosed inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/509,332, which isincorporate herein by reference in its entirety as part of the presentspecification. It is also preferred, without limitation, that theaerosol be formed of an aqueous solution that contains a suitabledisinfecting, sanitizing or sterilizing agent(s) or substance(s) thatcontains an acidic oxidizer, such as hydrogen peroxide and peroxyaceticacid. Any chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s) can also,without limitation, be used and can be in any form including, but notlimited to any liquid, gas, vapor, plasma, or aerosol.

One aspect of the present invention, is an improvement to the currentart involving an innovative pressure interface assembly (68) (FIGS.14-19) for the application of a positive or negative air/gas pressure tothe internal space, lumens, ducts, channels or fiber optic shafts ortunnels (herein called “ducts”) (08), of an object or endoscope (01), inorder to apply or administer the “applied agent” or substance(s) such asbut not limited to any gas, plasma, vapor, or aerosol, to the internalspaces and surfaces within these locations as well as the areas andsurfaces that interface or articulate with the pressure interfaceassembly (68). This innovative pressure interface assembly and itsinterface, assures that the agent(s) or substance(s) is able to reachand coat, sanitize, detoxify, disinfect, high level disinfect, orsterilize, the entirety of the internal spaces and surfaces that areinherent to various objects including, but not limited to, endoscopedesigns, diameters, and especially lengths. The assembly (68) includesan interface material (02) that also assures that all of the surfaces ofthe object or endoscope in contact with the interface have sufficientexposure to the aerosol (65) of an “applied agent” (20) through eitherdirect and/or indirect contact, for their sanitization, disinfection,high-level disinfection, or sterilization, depending on the agent usedand the exposure time. For example and without limitation, any absorbentinterface material may also indirectly deploy/transmit the “appliedagent” (20) that is aerosolized, to the articulated areas and surfacesby the interaction or movement of the “applied agent” (20) through theinterface material (02) formed from the selected material. The presentinvention also incorporates various other improvements to the currentart.

It is preferred, without limitation, that the endoscope (01) is washedaccording to the manufacturer's recommendations or methods common orprescribed in the industry or field of art, before being placed insideof the sterilization chamber (16) and the application of the “appliedagent’”” or substance(s) (20) to the endoscope. However, the object orendoscope can also be placed within the sterilization chamber (16) andthe washing and cleaning activities can, without limitation, take placewithin the same sterilization chamber (16) prior to the application ofthe “applied agent” (20).

According to an embodiment, any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or aerosol,may be utilized or applied and be created from any chemical, mixture,compound, or anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) orsubstance(s) (hereinafter ““‘applied agent”(s)”) (20), and it can becreated, stored, produced, or generated either inside the closed space,closed system of space, sterilization chamber (16), or inside a separatechamber (15) that is connected to the closed space, system of closedspace, or sterilization chamber (16) as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS.4-5, 12-13, 20-23, 26-33.

According to another embodiment, the “applied agent” (20) may be in anyform including, but not limited to, a gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, orliquid. The “applied agent” (20) in liquid form does not include anyliquid aerosols and is applied in a distinctly separate way. Inparticular, the “applied agent” (20) in liquid form is generally appliedor administered in ways including, but not limited to, being pumped,poured, flowed, or sprayed, onto, or through various internal orexternal surfaces of an endoscope.

The “applied agent” (20) may be, without limitation, one or more or anycombination of suitable compounds, mixtures, substances, or chemicals,in any concentration, number, size, or density. It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that if an aerosol (65) is utilized, it is formed generallyof droplets whose size is less than five microns. The aerosol (65) mayhave any mass concentration or density. It is further preferred, withoutlimitation, that the aerosol (65) has droplets that are of a higherrather than lower mass concentration or density.

According to an embodiment, the atmospheric pressure within thesterilization chamber, or any connecting or shared areas or atmospheres,may be any negative pressure, including a full or close to full vacuum,before or during the deployment of any “applied agent” inside of thesterilization chamber, or through any pressure interface assembly orsupply tube. This can also help to increase the efficacy of the process,and is known to those skilled in the art. Also, the “applied agent” canbe either generated inside the sterilization chamber, or any separate,but connecting area to the sterilization chamber, that may or may not becontrolled with a valve.

The amount of “applied agent” (20) that is generated and administered orapplied can vary as necessary or desired. In addition, the applicationtime and total exposure time of the “applied agent” (20) to theendoscope(s) (01) in the closed space or sterilization chamber (16) canalso vary. The level of efficacy, result, outcome, or effect that isdesired or needed, as well as the time needed to accomplish it, with theapplication of the “applied agent” (20) to any of the areas or surfaceswithin the closed space or sterilization chamber (16), pressureinterface assembly (68), or endoscope (01), including, but not limitedto, any exterior surfaces, any interface surfaces or areas, or anyinternal spaces and surfaces, can vary according to variables or anycombination of variables such as, but not limited to, the totalapplication time of the “applied agent” (20), total exposure time of thesurfaces and areas to the “applied agent” (20), temperature of the“applied agent” (20), temperature of the targeted surfaces and/or areas,relative humidity within the area that the “applied agent” is deployedor administered, flow rate and velocity of the air/gas and “appliedagent” (20) that are utilized, the amount or volume of “applied agent”(20) that is generated or produced, the amount of “applied agent” (20)that is applied or deployed to the targeted surfaces or areas, theproperties and chemical characteristics of the “applied agent” (20), theamount of positive or negative air/gas pressure that is applied to theendoscope (01) or pressure interface assembly (68) and associatedcomponents, and the concentration, number, size, and density of the“applied agent” (20). The variables can vary, without limitation, toachieve the desired or needed results and/or processing time. Othervariables may include, but are not limited to the number, shape,diameter, and length of the ducts (08), or size and number of interiorspaces inside of the object or endoscope (01), and the selection of thematerials used to form the interface (02) and the attributes of theinterface material (02).

It is preferred, without limitation, that the aerosol (65) is generatedin a separate generation (production) chamber (hereinafter “generationchamber”) (15) (FIGS. 1-2) and flowed, blown, or otherwise moved intothe sterilization chamber (16) via a blower, fan, or other source ofpressurized air/gas (17), where it may then be recirculated back intothe generation chamber (15) (FIG. 2) or, to any condenser or filterknown to those skilled in the art. The respective chambers areinterconnected with piping, tubing, or conduit (18), creating a commonatmosphere or potential for a common atmosphere within the closedsystem. However, if the “applied agent” (20) is created, produced, orgenerated within the sterilization chamber (16), a blower, fan, or othersource of pressurized air/gas, can without limitation, be used todisperse the said agent(s) or substance(s) within the sterilizationchamber (16). The sterilization chamber (16) may be constructed so thatit is any shape, size, or configuration and can also, withoutlimitation, be any room, chamber, glove box, or connected system of oneor more space(s) of any size that may, without limitation, be sealed orenclosed.

The purpose of the “applied agent” (20) such as, but not limited to agas, vapor, plasma, or aerosol, in the present invention is to coat,interface, interact, envelope, or have contact with, one or morecontaminants including but not limited to toxins, bacteria, virus,fungus, spores (both fungal and bacterial), prions or other protein(s),chemicals, compounds, or other structures, within a target area(s)killing bacteria, fungus, spores, or neutralizing toxins or rendering avirus, or protein structure incapable of replication or otherwiseinterfering with the target's cellular physiology, or destroying orneutralizing the toxin and/or chemicals or chemical structures.

It is preferred in the present invention that the aerosol (65) isgenerated by one or more aerosol generating ultrasonic transducers (19)located below the surface of an aqueous “applied agent” (20) in areservoir (21), as shown in FIG. 3. Transducers (19),(22) of any design,frequency, or construction may, without limitation, be used. However,any other means to generate an aerosol, such as but not limited to, highpressure nozzle technology, (65) could potentially be used in thepresent invention, are not specifically set forth, but are known tothose skilled in the art. The reservoir (21) may be made of any suitablematerial that is unaffected by the chemical action of the “appliedagent” (20). One preferred “applied agent” (20) is a mixture of acidicoxidizing compounds including mainly hydrogen peroxide and peroxyaceticacid in an aqueous solution. Suitable materials for the reservoir (21)may include PVC, polypropylene, glass, and stainless steel, but manyother suitable materials may be used. The aerosol (65) generated byoperation of the transducers (19),(22) forms above the surface of the“applied agent” liquid (20) in the reservoir (21) and is, withoutlimitation, transferred from the basin, reservoir, and/or chamber inwhich it is created, to the space (16) to be treated by a fan, blower,or other source of pressurized air/gas (17), as will be described ingreater detail below.

The output of the transducers (19),(22) is either focused or directed toa point and/or an area near the surface of the “applied agent” (20) tocause a surface disturbance, which results in the formation of anaerosol (65) of the “applied agent” (20). This aerosol (65) is thenblown, flowed, or otherwise moved, into the contaminated area, space, ortarget area, (16) in order to coat, interface, interact, envelope, orhave contact with, contaminants including but not limited to toxins,bacteria, virus, fungus, spores (both fungal and bacterial), prions orother proteins, chemicals, compounds, or other structures, within atarget area(s) killing the bacteria, fungus, and spores, neutralizingthe toxins, or rendering the virus, or protein structure incapable ofreplication or otherwise interfering with the target's cellularphysiology, or destroying or neutralizing the toxin and/or chemicals orchemical structures. The aerosol (65) droplets are of a defined sizedistribution of less than, but not limited to, 10 microns in diameter,allowing them to behave like a gas due to Brownian movement anddiffusion. This enables the droplets to penetrate small cracks andcrevices, and apply thin films on surfaces if desired. In addition, theaerosol (65) may effectively reach and disinfect, detoxify, high leveldisinfect/sterilize, areas of contamination and areas of otherwiselimited accessibility. Each transducer (19),(22) used in this apparatusand method is preferably, without limitation, made from leadzirconate-titanate-four (PZT-4), or other suitable piezoelectricmaterials.

The present invention can include, but is not limited to, the electronicequipment mentioned in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,878,355 and 6,102,992, whicheach are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. A variablefrequency oscillator is used to generate a high frequency sine or squarewave. A preferred oscillator is a digital function generator/countercapable of producing sine, square, triangle, pulse and ramp waveforms.The unit has an adjustable frequency range from 0.001 hertz to 10megahertz in seven ranges. It has variable output amplitude from 5 my to500 Vp-p, variable symmetry/duty cycle from 5% to 95% in the ramp orpulse mode, continuous or externally controlled outputs. A D.C. offsetbetween −10 v to +10 v can be added to any of the output waveforms. Acontinuous wave power amplifier amplifies the wave generated by theoscillator. The preferred amplifier is a solid-state amplifier with afrequency response from 0.001 hertz to 10 megahertz. It provides up to2500 watts of linear power with low harmonic and intermodulationdistortion, however the number of watts could also be increased in orderto provide enough power to drive the desired number of transducers(19),(22).

The amplified signal from the amplifier is used to drive one or aplurality of transducer(s) (19),(22), where each transducer in thepresent invention is operated at a frequency range between 0.001 to 10.0megahertz. In addition, each transducer (19),(22) has a resonantfrequency between 0.001 and 10.0 megahertz.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an aerosol generator (15) to whichthe teachings of the present invention may be applied and used. Areservoir (21) contains a volume of “applied agent” (20), the level ofwhich is controlled by a weir gate (23) operatively associated with asupply pump (24) and line (25) to maintain the level of the “appliedagent” (20) at a preferred level above the transducers (19),(22) mountedon the bottom wall of the reservoir. The “applied agent” can vary intemperature when it is applied, however it has been found that theefficiency of aerosol generation is enhanced by heating the liquid“applied agent” (20) to at least 20° F. above ambient, but preferably toat least about 80° F. A heater element (26) mounted in the liquid agentsupply sump (27) may be used for this purpose. The aerosolized (65)“applied agent” (20) is delivered to the space to be treated via an exitorifice (28) in one wall of the reservoir to which suitable piping ortubing (not shown) is attached for delivery. A heater element(s) (29)may, without limitation, be attached either to the exit orifice (28) oranywhere between the aerosol generator and the sterilization chamber astaught in prior art. This means for heating is intended to heat theaerosol to various temperatures as it is removed from the aerosolgenerator or before it reaches the closed space or sterilization chamber(16). A blower, fan, or other source of pressurized air (17) generatesthe air/gas flow necessary to deliver the aerosol (65), all in a mannerwell known in the art. As shown in FIG. 12, a return path of suitablepiping or tubing (18) may also, without limitation, connect the area orsterilization chamber (16) in which the aerosol (65) is applied back tothe air/gas intake of the blower (17) in order to create a closed systemor common atmosphere of air/gas in order to prevent positive air/gaspressure from building in the sterilization chamber (16).

A means to radiate heat (30) may also, without limitation, be providedor otherwise operatively coupled to and/or about the outlet(s) of thesterilization chamber (16), or anywhere along the return path of therecirculated air/gas (31) and aerosol before it reenters the aerosolgenerator (15), in the present invention. This is shown in FIG. 12. Theradiated heat provides the added benefit of heating the returningair/gas (31) and aerosol droplets to various temperatures. This may,without limitation, further reduce the diameter of the aerosol droplets(65) so as to lessen the possibility of an impact with droplets (65)within the aerosol generator (15) that would result in the coalescenceand/or creation of larger droplets. The heat can vary in its temperatureand intensity.

A means to heat the floor and/or bottom area (32), of the sterilizationchamber (16) may also, without limitation, be added to the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 6. A heated plate (32) placed on the floor ofthe sterilization chamber (16) may also be positioned in this location.The thermal, or convective forces emitted from the heated floor orbottom area (32) of the chamber is intended, without limitation, to bothrepel any aerosol droplets as they settle, and delay their downward pathof travel. An added benefit is that any droplets that do touch or comein close proximity to the heated floor (32) can be turned to vapor orgain additional thermal energy, which can contribute to the efficacy ofthe process. The means (32) to heat the floor can, without limitation,vary in its temperature and intensity.

One or more polymer glove(s) or fingers(s) (33) may be incorporated intothe system of closed space, and/or the sterilization chamber (16) or anarea that can access these spaces, as shown in FIG. 7. They can have abroad similarity in purpose, design, and concept as gloves(s) orfinger(s) (33) that are commonly found in laboratory or industrial gloveboxes. They can enable an operator to handle the endoscope (01) withinthe sterilization chamber (16) both before and after the cleaning cycleand related activities have occurred. In addition, the operator can usethe glove(s) or finger(s) (33) to handle and place the endoscope (01)into packaging such as but not limited to trays, pouches, bags, or othermeans to otherwise hold the endoscope (01), and then sealing thepackaging so as to keep the packaged endoscope (01) free fromcontamination or to insure that its properties or characteristics areunaltered. This allows the operator to handle and package the sanitized,detoxified, disinfected, high level disinfected, sterilized, orotherwise cleaned endoscope (01) without having to expose the endoscope(01) to the outside environment and risk contamination.

The endoscope (01) that is placed within the sterilization chamber (16)can be packaged before or after the present invention has completed itsoperational cycle for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection,high level disinfection, or sterilization, of the objects, with methods,equipment, and materials which are not specifically set forth, but knownto those skilled in the art. This can include packaging methods,equipment, and materials used in industries including but not limited tomedical devices, and medical related products.

According to an embodiment, any package (not shown) containing one ormore of any objects (not shown) can also be processed in the presentinvention, for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, highlevel disinfection, or sterilization, of the interior of the package aswell as its contents. The package may or may not be connected to thepressure interface assembly (68). It is preferred, without limitation,that the package is constructed of polymer, and it has at least one ormore sides or walls that is constructed from materials such as, but notlimited to, Tyvek or a similar type of material, glassine, or any typeof permeable or semi-permeable material. The packaging materials can bemade from any material or combination of materials, and be of anythickness or polarity. It is preferred, without limitation, that thepackage is constructed in the form of a flexible pouch containing atleast one wall that is constructed from a flexible layer of Tyvek whoseconstruction and thickness is commonly used in the medical industry andis known to those skilled in the art. The package may be, withoutlimitation, subjected to any combination and sequence of the followingoperational parameters such as: (a) Any temperature before exposure tothe “applied agent” (b) Any negative atmospheric pressure or vacuumbefore or during the deployment of any “applied agent” inside of thesterilization chamber (16), (c) any exposure times of the package to the“applied agent”, (d) any amount of “applied agent” (e) any temperatureduring exposure to the “applied agent”, (f) any positive atmosphericpressure before, during, or after the deployment of any “applied agent”inside of the sterilization chamber (16), (g) any temperature afterexposure to the “applied agent”, (h) any temperature and pressure to drythe contents, interior, and exterior of the package, and (i) any dryingtime.

As also shown in FIG. 7, one or more chemical exposure indicator(s),and/or biological indicator(s) (hereinafter “indicator”) (34) can bemounted, held, hung, positioned, or placed, anywhere inside of theclosed space or sterilization chamber (16). The position of theindicator(s) (43) can vary both vertically and horizontally with respectto the object(s) in the closed space or sterilization chamber (16). Theindicators (34) provide a means for assuring that proper sanitization,detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilizationhas occurred for the object (01) and/or the closed space orsterilization chamber (16). A detailed description of the constructionand operation of suitable chemical exposure indicator(s) and/orbiological indicator(s) (34) is not specifically set forth, but is knownto those skilled in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 12, one or more means (35) known to thoseskilled in the art may, without limitation, be operably connected tovarious components of the present invention to effectively close off,seal, or separate, the closed space or sterilization chamber(s) (16)from the “applied agent” (20) generation chamber(s) (15), and/or thetubes, ducting, channels, tunnels, etc. (18), that connect the “appliedagent” (20) generator(s) (15) to the closed space or sterilizationchamber(s) (16), at any time including, but not limited to, before orduring any washing, cleaning, drying, or other processing activities ofthe endoscope (01). Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 12, a closure device(35) can, without limitation, be any cap or separating deviceimplemented for operably sealing off various portions of the apparatusof the present invention including: a) any air/gas outlet (36) orair/gas inlet (37), or anywhere along the path, for any air/gas or“applied agent” (20) that is flowed through the pressure interfaceassembly (68); b) any inbound fresh air/gas inlet (38); c) any outboundor exhaust air/gas outlet (39); d) any opening, or inlet or outlet,to/from the sterilization chamber (16), including but not limited to,any air/gas inlet (70) or air/gas outlet (72) to/from the sterilizationchamber (16); e) any other tubes, ducting, channels, tunnels, or otherparts or components, etc., that would need, or be desired, to have acontrolled connection or access, to the pressure interface assembly(68), sterilization chamber (16), or other connected or potentiallyconnected closed space or system of closed space. The closure device(35) can be a door, flap, valve, lid, panel, or other physical means(hereafter called “valve”) (35), to contain the chemicals, liquids,vapor, gases, or other substances used in the washing and/or processingactivities, within the closed space or sterilization chamber(s). Thevalve 35 is constructed of any suitable material that is unaffected bythe chemical action of the agents or substances used for the washing,cleaning, or processing activities, or theanti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) that isapplied or administered. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, certain valves,covers, doors, flaps or other means known to those skilled in the art(herein called “system valve”) (40) may be effectively used during theapplication or administration of the “applied agent” (20) in thesterilization chamber (16). Each system valve (40) can be actuated,closed, or operated to effectively stop the transfer, flow, or movementof air/gas or “applied agent” (20) through the inbound fresh air/gasinlet (38), the outbound or exhaust air/gas outlet (39), and/or thetubes, ducting, channels, tunnels, etc. (18), that connect the freshair/gas inlet (38) or exhaust air/gas outlet (39) to the closed systemof space or sterilization chamber (16). The various valves (35),(40) inthe present invention can be actuated, opened, or operated so that anysubstances may flow through the valves (35),(40) when desired or needed.In addition, the various valves (35),(40) can be effectively utilized atvarious times to allow the fresh air/gas from outside of the presentinvention to flow through, without limitation, the inbound fresh air/gasinlet (38), the air/gas inlet(s) (37) for the air/gas that is flowedthrough the pressure interface assembly (68), the “applied agent”generator (15), the outbound or exhaust air/gas outlet (39), and/or thetubes, ducting, channels, tunnels, etc. (18), that connect the freshair/gas inlet (38) or exhaust air/gas outlet (39) to the closed systemof space or sterilization chamber (16). Referring to FIG. 12, anadditional valve (42) can be utilized to separate the flow of inboundfresh air/gas from the outbound air, gas, or “applied agent” (20) asthey are circulated through and from the closed system of space orsterilization chamber (16) and exhausted out of the present inventionand into the external environment. The various valves (35),(40),(42) aredesigned, operationally controlled whether manually or automatically,and operationally sealed in a manner that is not specifically set forth,but known to those skilled in the art. This includes the possibleoperation, command, and control of the valves (35),(40),(42) via anelectronic or electrical means.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, 4-5, 12-13, 20-23, and FIGS. 26-33, thesanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, orsterilization of both the internal and external surfaces of an endoscope(01) begins with placing it in the closed space or sterilization chamber(16). The endoscope (01) can, without limitation, be washed, cleaned,rinsed, and/or processed after it is placed in the sterilization chamber(16), but prior to the application of the “applied agent” (20). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the object or endoscope (01) iswashed, cleaned, rinsed, and/or dried and processed before it is placedin the sterilization chamber (16). In either case, the washing,cleaning, rinsing, drying, and/or processing is performed according tomethods that are common in the industry in which the object or endoscope(01) is used, and/or according to the recommendations of the object orendoscope's (01) manufacturer. A means for washing, cleaning, rinsing,and/or processing the object(s), such as endoscopes (01), within thesterilization chamber (16), which results in the endoscope (01) beingclean, and/or removing contamination such as, but not limited to, blood,saliva, mucous, feces, or tissue, before the application of an “appliedagent” (20), may also, without limitation, be added in the presentinvention and is known to those skilled in the art. After placing theendoscope (01) in the sterilization chamber (16), and the washing,cleaning, and/or processing steps are completed, if they were performed,an “applied agent” (20) such as, but not limited to, any gas, plasma,vapor, or aerosol, is generated and administered, moved, or blown intothe closed space or sterilization chamber (16), covering all of theexternal and possibly the internal surfaces over time. Despite theability of small droplets and gases to penetrate hard to reach places,it is still difficult and time consuming to disinfect or sterilize theinterior surfaces of objects or instruments like endoscopes (01) due tothe length and small diameter of features such as, but not limited to,their lumens or ducts (08), and their general construction. However, byusing positive or negative air/gas pressure to move the “applied agent”(20) through these hard to reach areas, they can without limitation, beeasily and quickly, sanitized, detoxified, disinfected, high leveldisinfected, or sterilized. The “applied agent” (20) may be pushed orpulled through the endoscope (01) by using the supplied positive ornegative air/gas pressure for all endoscope (01) related applicationsincluding, but not limited to, all uses related to the pressureinterface assembly (68) as well as all other general endoscope (01)interfaces already known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the“applied agent” (20) may, without limitation, be administered ordeployed into the sterilization chamber (16) where it is then pulledinto and through the endoscope (01) that is positioned within thesterilization chamber (16).

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, one or more open ends or openings ofan endoscope (01) are interfaced with one or more pressure interfaceassembly(s) (68). The open end of an endoscope (01), can include, but isnot limited to, the end of the endoscope (01) where the various ducts(08), or other ports end, exit, or are made visible or accessible. Thisunique and innovative pressure interface assembly (68) has partsincluding, but not limited to, a coupling (04), and an interface orinterface material (02) combination. The coupling (04) can have one ormore ports or other means (hereinafter “main port”) (06) for attachingone or more tubes, hose, pipes, duct, tunnels, conduit, or other means(herein called “supply tube”) (11) that can supply air, gas, liquid, orthe “applied agent” (20) under positive or negative pressure, to thevarious spaces and surfaces of the pressure interface assembly (68) andendoscope (01), including without limitation, their interfacing surfacesand internal spaces and surfaces, under positive or negative pressure.The supply tube (11) can be any size. The main port (06) can, withoutlimitation, connect the space within the pressure interface assembly(68) to the space within the supply tube (11) so that the spaces becomeconnected.

Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5, the supply tube (11) can, without limitation,be effectively connected anywhere to the generation chamber (15) or anyother effective area, which is in turn connected to any source ofpressurized air/gas or vacuum. The pressure interface assembly (68)allows for any aerosol (65), air/gas, liquid, or “applied agent” (20) tobe driven, pushed, or pulled through places such as, but not limited to,both the internal space and/or ducts (08), of the endoscope (01), aswell as through the interface material (02) and/or interface location,for purposes including, but not limited to, rinsing the endoscope (01),drying the endoscope (01), or the sanitization, detoxification,disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of these areasand their respective surfaces. It is preferred, without limitation, thatthe pressure interface assembly (68) is utilized inside of thesterilization chamber (16), but it could also be used outside of thesterilization chamber (16) in applications not specifically set forthbut are known to those skilled in the art.

The supply of a positive or negative air/gas pressure to the pressureinterface assembly (68) may originate from any vacuum pump, air/gaspump, pressurized air source, fan, or blower (44),(17). The air/gaspressure can vary depending on the situation and particular applicationand can serve several functions. First, the positive and/or negativeair/gas pressure can, without limitation, be applied to the pressureinterface assembly (68) at the beginning and/or end of the sanitization,detoxification, disinfection, high-level disinfection, or sterilizationcycle, in order to move air/gas or dry and/or heated air through theinterior space of the endoscope (01). This will remove any moisture ifit is still present in these areas.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, one or more heating element(s)(29),(52) placed in the air stream before or after the pressureinterface assembly (68) can provide the heated air (referenced Rosdahlet al. pg 3 Col. 123-127). It is preferred, without limitation, that airfrom outside of the sterilization chamber (16) that is pulled, drawn,pushed, or otherwise moved into the sterilization chamber (16) and/orthe endoscope (01) be first filtered before its entry into thesterilization chamber (16) and/or endoscope with one or more highefficiency filter (53) such as, but not limited to, a HEPA filter orother filter that is known to those skilled in the art or is acceptablein the industry in which it is used. The air/gas stream may also,without limitation, be filtered by one or more filters (54) before itexits from the sterilization chamber (16); and the filter is known tothose skilled in the art or its use is acceptable in the industry inwhich it is used. The air can, without limitation, be heated within thesterilization chamber (16) and/or before its entry into thesterilization chamber (16) from areas including, but not limited to, theoutside atmosphere, or the atmosphere that surrounds the outside of thesterilization chamber (16), in order to help dry the endoscope (01) atthe desired time or stage during processing.

Also, the positive air/gas pressure or negative air/gas pressure isintended to move the “applied agent” (20) through the interior space ofthe endoscope (01). It is preferred, without limitation, that, as shownin FIG. 4, if a negative air/gas pressure is supplied to the coupling(04) that is interfaced or attached to the endoscope (01), a pressuredifferential is established. This results in the flow of air/gas and the“applied agent” (20) from areas such as, but not limited to, thesterilization chamber (16), through “both” the interface material (02)and internal space within the endoscope (01), and into the coupling(04). Once in the coupling (04), the air/gas and the “applied agent”(20) flows into the attached pipes, tubes, conduits, etc. (11),(118),where it is eventually vented back into the sterilization chamber (16),or through a filter (54) and into the outside environment.

The “applied agent” (20) can, without limitation, flow into the coupling(04) under positive air/gas pressure, as shown in FIG. 5. It ispreferred, without limitation, that in this situation, the air/gas and“applied agent” (20) is pulled from the sterilization chamber (16), orchamber where the “applied agent” is generated (15), and flowed into thecoupling (04) via the attached pipes, tubes, conduits, etc. (18),(11).It is then flowed “both” out of the interface material (02) and throughthe internal space within the endoscope (01), and into the sterilizationchamber (16). The “applied agent” (20) in this case, can also beseparately delivered into the sterilization chamber (16), if it isgenerated in a chamber (15) separated from the sterilization chamber(16).

Without limitation, the apparatuses and methods can be used or takeplace in any type of rigid, semi-rigid, flexible container, or package(herein called “container”), and the container can function as thesterilization chamber (16). The container (16) can, without limitation,have the pressure interface assembly (68) or coupling (04) integratedinto its design or construction. The container (16) can, withoutlimitation, be designed so that it can be sealed and function aseffective packaging or medical quality packaging after completion of theprocessing steps in a manner that meets or exceeds industry andregulatory standards.

Referring to FIG. 4-5, 14-16, the coupling (04) can be constructed fromvarious materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, glass,polymer, polyolefin, cellulose, or even natural or manufactured fibersthat are either coated or uncoated. The coupling (04) can, withoutlimitation, be constructed from one or more polymers that meets orexceeds industry and regulatory standards. It is preferred withoutlimitation, that the coupling (04) is constructed from one or morepolymers that can include, but is not limited to PVC, polycarbonate,polypropylene, and HDPE. The coupling (04) surfaces can, withoutlimitation, be electrically or electrostatically charged in order toattract the “applied agent” (20). It is preferred, without limitation,that the materials used to construct the coupling (04) may be rigid,semi-rigid, or flexible. A flexible polymer or tube roll is one exampleof a flexible material that could be used. The pressure interfaceassembly (68) can be designed and constructed for single or multipleuses. It is preferred, without limitation, that the coupling (04) isdesigned so that one end is able to fit over an end of an endoscope(01), and the other end of the coupling (04) is substantially closed.The coupling (04) can, without limitation, be designed so that one endis able to fit over an end of an endoscope (01), and the other end ofthe coupling (04) is designed to interface or connect with a supply tube(11) or other means to connect the coupling (04) to a source of negativeor positive air/gas pressure in a suitable manner. For example, one endof the coupling (04) can be, without limitation, open and its exteriorsurface can have a hose barb, or a portion of its exterior surface canbe molded into a barb of sufficient size to securelyinterface/articulate it with a supply tube (11). The end of the coupling(04) that is designed to fit over an end of an endoscope (01), can havean opening of various sizes and shapes. This opening can control thenegative or positive air/gas flow in or out of the coupling (04).

One or more main ports (06) or means to connect the coupling (04) with asupply of positive and/or negative air/gas pressure that is used todrive, push, or pull the “applied agent” (20) through both the ducts(08) of the endoscope and the interface material (02), can be located onthe closed end or “air/gas pressure interfacing end” of the coupling(04). This main port(s) (06) may be connected to a positive or negativeair/gas pressure supply tube (11) in order to create a positive air/gasor negative air/gas pressure within the coupling (04). In the context ofthe present invention, “tube” or “tubing” includes pipes, ducts,conduits, tunnels, and the like.

One or more chemical contact or biological indicators (hereinafter“indicator(s)”) (05) of any size type or construction may be mounted,held, hung, positioned, or placed, anywhere inside of the pressureinterface assembly (68). The pressure interface assembly (68) isdesigned for the addition as well as possible removal of theseaccessories. The indicator (05) provides a means for communicating orassuring that proper sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, highlevel disinfection, or sterilization has occurred within the endoscopeand/or the pressure interface assembly. A detailed description of theindicator (05) is not specifically set forth, because the details arewell known to those skilled in the art.

The internal dimensions of the coupling (04) help provide for aninterface/articulation between the endoscope (01), the interface orinterface material (02) (if it is used), and the coupling (04), thatpermits the creation of at least a minimum working positive or negativeair/gas pressure inside of the coupling (04) and endoscope (01), butstill allows “applied agent” (20) to penetrate and sanitize, detoxify,disinfect, high level disinfect, or sterilize the areas and surfacesthat interface/articulate or are between the endoscope (01) and theinterface material (02) (if it is used), or the coupling (04). Incertain circumstances, the inner diameter of the coupling (04) inaddition to its thickness can contribute to the performance of theinterface (02). This can include but is not limited to, coupling (04)designs where the part of the coupling (04) that interfaces with theendoscope (01) is constructed from materials that are flexible and mayor may not have elastic properties. More specifically, the insidedimensions and thickness of the coupling (04) can change in order toaccommodate various variables, including, but not limited to, pressures,temperatures, sizing, shape, fit, interface integrity, interfaceefficiency, thickness of the interface, as well as other variables toachieve efficacy with the process. The coupling (04) may not even touchthe exterior or internal surfaces of the endoscope (01).

Referring to FIG. 14-19, the coupling (04) is preferably used incombination with an interface material (02) to interface/articulate withthe external circumference or external surfaces of the endoscope (01).In addition, it is preferred that the interface material (02) ispositioned between the coupling (04) and the endoscope (01). Theinterface material (02) can be, without limitation, porous, and/orpermeable, and is constructed from materials that can provide effectiveperformance and the desired level of efficacy for the process. Theinterface material (02) can be, without limitation, constructed of oneor more layers of material. The interface material (02) may also haveabsorbent characteristics to improve its efficacy and performance. Theinterface material (02) is intended, without limitation, in the presentinvention to allow the air/gas and the “applied agent” (20) to move orflow through the interface layer at a controlled, but effectual rate, sothat at least a minimum working positive or negative air/gas pressure iscreated or established inside of the coupling (04) and endoscope (01).This minimum working positive or negative air/gas pressure that iscreated or established inside of the coupling (04) and endoscope (01),moves or otherwise results in the movement or flow of the “appliedagent” (20) through places such as, but not limited to, the interiorspace, or ducts (08), of the endoscope (01) and results in thesanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, orsterilization of these surfaces and areas. The minimum working positiveor negative air/gas pressure that is created or established inside ofthe coupling (04) and endoscope (01), moves or otherwise results in themovement or flow of the “applied agent” (20) through the interfacematerial (02) and areas of interface/articulation between the interfacematerial (02) and endoscope (01), and results in the areas and surfacesunder the interface material (02) to be exposed to, and acted upon, bythe “applied agent” (20) in order to achieve the desired level ofsanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, orsterilization. The interface material (02) can include, but is notlimited to cloth, gauze, manufactured fibers, synthetic fibers, naturalfibers or materials, cellulose, polymer, polyolefin, glass, metal,ceramic, carbon, combinations of these materials, or other materialsknow in the art. The interface material (02) can be coated withchemicals, materials, or substances including, but not limited to,polymer(s), polyolefin, wax, lipid, oil, enamel, paint, carbon, metal,combinations of these materials, or other materials known in the art.The interface material (02) as well as the coupling (04) surfaces can beelectrically or electrostatically charged or uncharged in order toattract the “applied agent”. The electrostatic potential or polarity ofthe various materials as well as the “applied agent” (20) can, withoutlimitation, vary. Materials for the interface material (02), which aredeveloped in the future, may be utilized to improve the efficacy of thedesign or its application to certain objects, endoscopes (01), ordevices. The interface material (02) and its effectiveness can vary withvariables including but not limited to, its size, width, surface area,shape, fit, thickness, density, hardness, elasticity, flow rate,porosity, permeability, evenness of air/gas flow, mechanical properties,physical properties, and other variables known to those skilled in theart. However, the effectiveness and efficacy of each interface material(02) can increase with attributes such as, but not limited to, theuniformity of these variables throughout the interface that is used. Theinterface material (02), coupling (04) and endoscope (01), can beplanned, manufactured, or formed, to assure the proper placement, fit,or function of these components. The shape or physical parameters mayinclude, but is not limited to, closing or tapering the ends of theinterface material (02) to various amounts or increments, the presenceof ribbings, pegs, grooves, studs, or clips, or other means known tothose skilled in the art, that are indented or protrude from componentsincluding, but not limited to, the interface material (02), coupling(04) and/or endoscope (01), so that the interface material (02) caninterlock or have a controlled or guided articulation/interface with thecoupling (04) and/or object or endoscope (01). The interface material(02) may be connected to the coupling (04), or endoscope (01) in variousways that include, but is not limited to, welding, forming, molding,bonding, adhering, gluing, laminating, or cementing. The performance ofthe interface material (02) or the pressure interface assembly (68) may,without limitation, be improved by welding, forming, molding, bonding,adhering, gluing, laminating, or cementing, one or more layers ofmaterial with attributes such as, but not limited to any, width, surfacearea, shape, thickness, density, hardness, elasticity, flow rate,porosity, permeability, evenness of air/gas flow, mechanical properties,or physical properties, between the interface material (02) and thecoupling (04), or between the endoscope (01) and the interface material(02). It is preferred, without limitation, that the material is pliable.The coupling (04) can also be constructed from, or otherwise be, theinterface material (02) or interface material (02) and function as theinterface (02), which negates the use of a separate interface material(02). This represents the pressure interface assembly (68) in itssimplest form. In this case, the coupling (04) is designed andconstructed so that it incorporates the purpose, performance, traits,attributes, and characteristics of both the interface material (02) andthe coupling (04). Everything pertaining and related to the interfacematerial (02), coupling (04), and exertion of pressure on thesematerials, in the present invention also pertains to this particulardesign/construction.

The performance of the interface material (02) is also impacted by theapplication, existence, and/or control of a pseudo constant or constant,and effectively distributed, pressure exerted on the interface material(02) (herein called “exerted pressure”) as it contacts the endoscope(01). This exerted pressure provides, without limitation, an effectivedistribution of flow of the “applied agent” (20) through the interfacematerial (02) and areas of interface/articulation between the interfacematerial (02) and endoscope (01), and results in the areas and surfacesunder the interface material (02) and surfaces of the endoscope (01)that interface/articulate with the material of the interface material(02), to be exposed to and acted upon, by the “applied agent” (20), inorder to achieve the desired level of sanitization, detoxification,disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization. Theapplication, existence, and/or control of a constant or relativelyconstant, and effectively distributed, pressure exerted on the interfacematerial (02) as it contacts the endoscope (01), can also, withoutlimitation, be sufficient to hold the endoscope (01) if it is suspendedin the sterilization chamber (16) via the pressure interface assembly(68). The weight of the endoscope (01) and/or pressure interfaceassembly (68) can provide at least the minimum pressure/force needed toform and/or establish a usable and efficacious interface/articulation,and this can, without limitation, be accomplished in a manner known inthe art.

It is preferred in the present invention that the exerted pressure isnot only effective, but it is evenly distributed. In addition, thisexerted pressure can also affect the balance of flow of the “appliedagent” (20) through the interface material (02), as well as the interiorspace or ducts (08) of the endoscope (01). It is preferred in thepresent invention that the flow of air/gas and “applied agent” (20)through the interface material (02), as well as the interior space orducts (08) of the endoscope (01), is adjusted so that a desired level ofsanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, orsterilization can be achieved. The exerted pressure can vary due tovariables related to the interface material (02), including but notlimited to its, size, width, surface area, shape, fit, thickness,density, hardness, elasticity, mechanical properties, physicalproperties, and other variables known to those skilled in the art. Theexerted pressure can also vary to control variables associated with theair/gas and “applied agent” (20), including but not limited to, flowrate, air/gas flow and pressure, permeability, and evenness of flowthrough the interface material (02), and balance of flow through boththe interface material (02) and the interior space or ducts (08) of theendoscope (01). The exerted pressure can vary depending on the amount offorce that is exerted on the interface material (02), and the amount ofsurface area of the interface material (02) that receives that force(force per unit area).

The effective pressure that is exerted on the interface material (02)can result from the articulation/interface of the coupling (04),interface material (02), and endoscope (01). This can be accomplished byways including, but not limited to, adjusting the designs, dimensions,and properties, of the coupling (04), interface material (02), andendoscope (01), to create a loose or tight fit and/or a weak or strongfriction fit, with the interface material (02) and the endoscope (01).It can be accomplished through the use of additional means to exertpressure around the coupling (04), interface material (02) and endoscope(01) in order to create an effective articulation/interface, andincludes but is not limited to positioning a clamp over or around thecoupling (04) and applying pressure to the coupling (04), interfacematerial (02), and endoscope (01), which creates an effectivearticulation/interface. It can also be accomplished by utilizing acoupling (04) where at least the part or area of the coupling (04) thatinterfaces/articulates with the endoscope (01) is constructed frommaterial that is flexible, and may or may not have elastic properties,and one or more parts or areas of this coupling (04) thatinterface/articulate with the endoscope (01) have dimensions, an innerdiameter or inner dimensions, and width, so that an effective pressureis exerted on the interface material (02) when the coupling (04) isinterfaced/articulated with the endoscope (01). As shown in FIGS. 16 and17, this can include, but is not limited to, a coupling (04) that iscompletely or partially constructed from a flexible material (12),(14)and/or one or more flexible rings (13) that are either built into theflexible material (12),(14) or positioned outside and around thecoupling's flexible wall material (12),(14). For example, and withoutlimitation, an effective or sufficient interface material (02) can beprovided by, without limitation, one or more rings (13) that fit over,and are utilized to apply an effective or sufficient force or pressureto, the coupling (04), interface material (02), and endoscope (01).Various attributes including, but not limited to, the dimensions,thickness, interior dimensions or interior diameter, and width, of therings (13) have tolerances so that the rings (13) exert effectivepressure on the coupling (04), interface material (02), and endoscope(01), when the pressure interface assembly (68) interfaces/articulateswith the endoscope (01). This can also include, but is not limited to, acoupling (04) that is constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid polymer andone or more rings (13) are built into the coupling's (04) interior wallwhere they can interface/articulate with the interface material (02),and endoscope (01). Various attributes including, but not limited to,the dimensions, thickness, interior dimensions or interior diameter, andwidth, of the rings (13) have tolerances so that the rings (13) exerteffective pressure on the coupling (04), interface material (02), andendoscope (01), when the pressure interface assembly (68)interfaces/articulates with the endoscope (01).

According to an embodiment, one or more encircling geometric shapes orrings (not shown) can also be added to the exterior of an endoscope (01)and/or to the endoscope (01) interfacing/articulating surfaces of thepressure interface assembly (68). Without limitation, these encirclinggeometric shapes or rings can protrude outward or inward, and can becreated without limitation by cutting, carving, engraving, molding,thermoforming, or laminating, gluing, cementing, adhering, or otherwisebeing attached, to the pressure interface assembly (68). Withoutlimitation, the encircling geometric shapes or rings can also bepartially or fully constructed from and have the same chemical,physical, and mechanical properties of the materials that can be used toconstruct the endoscope (01), the coupling (04), and/or one or more ofthe interface materials (02) that articulates between the pressureinterface assembly (68) and the endoscope (01), and can also be madefrom a combination of these different materials.

These shapes or rings can, without limitation, interact with each other,the interface material (02), the endoscope (01), the coupling (04),and/or the pressure interface assembly (68). They can be connected tothe interface material (02) in various ways that include, but are notlimited to, welding, forming, molding, bonding, adhering, gluing,laminating, or cementing, and/or they can also function as the interfacematerial (02). The encircling geometric shapes or rings can alsointeract or interlock with each other to securely engage the assembly(68) with the endoscope (01). For example, without limitation, the ringscan slide past or over each other and into a static position, or beturned within a grove and lock into a static position. The interactionof these encircling geometric shapes or rings can create at least theminimum pressure/force needed to form and/or establish an efficaciousand usable interface material (02) and interface/articulation. Theinteraction of these encircling geometric shapes or rings can also beused to bear the weight of the endoscope (01) if it is suspended in thesterilization chamber (16) via the pressure interface assembly (68). Theweight of the endoscope (01) and/or pressure interface assembly (68), inthis instance can also provide at least the minimum pressure/forceneeded to form and/or establish a usable and efficacious interfacematerial (02).

Referring to FIGS. 18-19, an inflatable pillow, balloon, bladder,reservoir, or other inflatable or expandable means or material(hereinafter “balloon”) (03), can be used to exert an effective pressureon the interface material (02), as well as on the coupling (04). Varyingthe amount of exerted pressure inside of the balloon (03) can controlthe pressure that is exerted. The balloon (03) can be utilized in waysincluding, but not limited to, inserting or positioning the balloon (03)completely, or at varying positions or amounts, around the interfacematerial (02), on the side of the interface material (02) that isfurthest away from the endoscope (01) and closest to the interior wallof the coupling (04), and inflating the balloon (03) after the pressureinterface assembly (68) is effectively positioned or hasinterfaced/articulated with the endoscope (01). The balloon (03) canalso be positioned and effectively used inside of the coupling (04) wallmaterial or on the exterior surfaces of the coupling (04). The size,width, thickness, inflation pressure, material of construction, anddesign of the balloon (03) can be influenced by many factors including,but not limited to the negative and positive pressure or air/gaspressure that can be exerted within the coupling (04), the temperaturesof the “applied agent” (20), the amount of pressure that is neededinside of the balloon (03) in order to apply an effective pressure onthe interface material (02), and the type of chemical interactionbetween substances such as, but not limited to, the “applied agent”(20), and various materials of construction. The balloon (03) may assumemany different shapes including, but not limited to, a toroidal shape.The balloon (03) can also be constructed from, or have its outermostlayer constructed from the interface material (02), and the balloon (03)can function as the interface material (02). The balloon (03) can have aport and/or valve (herein called “balloon port”) (07) to connect with asource of pressurized fluid, and is inflated and deflated by way of ameans that is known to those skilled in the art. The source of pressurecan include, but is not limited to, the supply of air, gas, liquid, orfoam under positive pressure. An effective pressure can also be createdas the result of a chemical reaction inside of the balloon (03).

Parameters such as, but not limited to: a) the exerted pressure on theinterface material (02); b) the positioning of the coupling (04) on orto the interface material (02); c) the surface area of the coupling (04)that interfaces/articulates with the interface material (02) orendoscope (01); d) any physical, chemical, or mechanical interactionsbetween any components of the pressure interface assembly (68); d) thesize, width, surface area, shape, fit, thickness, density, hardness,elasticity, flow rate, porosity, permeability, mechanical properties,physical properties, and other variables known to those skilled in theart, relative to various components of the pressure interface assembly(68) such as, but not limited to the interface material (02), thecoupling (04), and endoscope (01); e) evenness of air/gas and “appliedagent” flow (20); can all, without limitation, be varied and may helpcontrol the air/gas pressure differential between the outside and insideof the coupling (04). These parameters may also vary, withoutlimitation, to help control the air/gas pressure differential betweenthe endoscope's (01) ducts (08) and the outside and inside of thecoupling (04). This in turn controls the balance of the “applied agent”(20) flow through the interface material (02) and anyinterfaced/articulated areas verses the interior space or ducts (08) ofthe endoscope (01). These variables are optimized for each endoscope(01) configuration based on the outside diameter of the endoscope (01),and the number, diameter, area, and length of the interior spaces orducts (08), of the endoscope (01).

Referring to FIG. 4, for applications involving the movement of an“applied agent” (20), in form including but not limited to any gas,plasma, vapor, and/or aerosol, through the endoscope (01) with negativeair/gas pressure (vacuum), the endoscope (01) is placed within theclosed space or sterilization chamber (16), or other area within theclosed system, and the pressure interface assembly (68) is interfacedwith an end of the endoscope (01). The “applied agent” (20) is thengenerated and/or administered or applied, filling the closed space orsterilization chamber (16). The “applied agent” (20) that is in thesterilization chamber (16) is then pulled through one end of theendoscope (01), through its interior space or ducts (08) via a negativeair/gas pressure (vacuum) that is created in the coupling (04). Thenegative air/gas pressure can vary. The “applied agent” (20) is then,without limitation, pulled through any supply tube (11) and is then,without limitation, vented into an area (36) either back into thesterilization chamber (16), or other area within the closed system. Thevacuum is generated by one or more, without limitation, air/gas pump,vacuum pump, venturi apparatus, blower, fan, or other means (44),(17)that can create a negative air/gas pressure (vacuum) within the pressureinterface assembly (68). The “applied agent” (20) that is pulled withvacuum can also vent into the outside environment after being filtered,if filtering is necessary. If the “applied agent” (20) is vented intothe outside environment, a means to provide equalization in air/gaspressure between the closed system and the outside environment isprovided and the movement of the air/gas is filtered. The resultingprocess is the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high leveldisinfection, or sterilization, of both the exterior of the endoscope(01) and its interior space or ducts (08).

Referring to FIG. 5, alternatively, for applications involving themovement of an “applied agent” (20) in the form including but notlimited to any gas, plasma, vapor, and/or aerosol, through the object orendoscope (01) with positive air/gas pressure, the endoscope (01) isplaced within the closed space or sterilization chamber (16), or otherarea within the closed system, and the pressure interface assembly (68)is interfaced with an end of the object or endoscope (01). The “appliedagent” (20) is then generated and/or administered or applied, fillingthe closed space or sterilization chamber (16). The “applied agent” (20)that is in the closed space or chamber (16), or other area within theclosed system, is then, without limitation, pulled through one end (37)of a tube (18) and forced out the other end of the same tube or anyother connected tube(s), into the supply tube (11), under positiveair/gas pressure, and then into the coupling (04) thatinterfaces/articulates with the endoscope (01), and then into andthrough the interior space or ducts (08) of the endoscope (01) where itis then vented back into the closed space, sterilization chamber (16),or other area within the closed system. The positive air/gas pressure isgenerated by one or more air/gas pump, vacuum pump, blower, fan, orother means (44),(17) that can create a positive air/gas pressure withinthe pressure interface assembly (68). The positive air/gas pressure canvary. The “applied agent” (20) in this case can also be pulled from asource that is separate from the sterilization chamber (16). The resultof the whole process is the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection,high level disinfection, or sterilization, of both the exterior of theendoscope and its interior space, lumen(s), and/or channels.

The positive or negative air/gas pressure can also be supplied to thepressure interface assembly (68) and the interfaced/coupled orarticulated object or endoscope (01), by one or more air/gas pump,vacuum pump, blower, fan, or other means (44),(17), at different timesduring the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high leveldisinfection, or sterilization cycle. For example, this can beperformed, without limitation, either before or after the “appliedagent” (20) is generated and/or administered or applied. The purpose isto move, without limitation, fresh filtered or non-filtered air/gasand/or dry air/gas through the interior space or ducts (08) of theendoscope (01), which removes any moisture, liquid, and/or “appliedagent” (20) that is present, or cause the moisture, liquid, agent,“applied agent” (20) or substance that is present to be removed orevaporated.

One challenge with the application of an “applied agent” (20) by aerosolor other means, is that of obtaining full coverage on all surfaces ofthe endoscope (01) or the targeted space, areas, or surfaces. This isespecially true when two surfaces touch each other, which prevents thecontacted surfaces from being exposed to the “applied agent” (20). Thiscauses a shadowing effect. Of course, this challenge does not apply tothe use of ethylene oxide gas (EtO) with polymeric materials because EtOis able to penetrate that material and any shadowed surfaces over time.

With reference to FIG. 30, the shadowing effect found with the deliveryof “applied agent” (20) such as, but not limited to, aerosols (65), canbe overcome in various ways. It is preferred, without limitation, thatone way includes placing one or more endoscopes (01) in a sterilizationchamber (16) and attaching each of them to a pressure interfaceassembly(s) (68) and then suspending the endoscopes (01) in the airwithin the sterilization chamber (16) via the pressure interfaceassembly(s) (68). This eliminates the chance for incomplete interaction,coating, or contact of the “applied agent” (20) with all of the surfacesof the endoscope (01). For example, the pressure interface assembly (68)may interface/articulate with either end of an endoscope (01), and theendoscope (01) may hang down toward the floor of the sterilizationchamber (16) without touching anything.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, an alternative embodiment for suspending theendoscope (01) within the chamber (16) includes, without limitation,placing the endoscope (01) in one or more cradles (45) within thesterilization chamber (16), or encircling the endoscope (01) in one ormore places with a material (47), in order to hang it within thesterilization chamber (16). In either case, the material (47) that holdsthe endoscope (01) should be, without limitation, as thin and narrow aspossible, as well as sufficiently, porous, and permeable. The material(47) can also have, without limitation, any sufficient number of poresof any effective size. This material (47) can, without limitation,include various layers of various materials suitable for these purposesand it can also be absorbent. Some of this material (47) is theninterfaced, connected, or otherwise attached to a hook(s) or other means(46), which are additionally attached using a suitable attachment member(48) to the interior of the sterilization chamber (16), in order to holdthe material (47). This results in the suspension of the endoscope (01)in free space above the floor of the closed space or sterilizationchamber (16) in which it is placed. The intent is to maximize theexternal surface area of the endoscope (01) that is exposed to “appliedagent” (20) as well as allowing the “applied agent” (20) to quicklyachieve its desired effect on the areas and surfaces that interfacebetween the endoscope (01) and the material that is holding it. Previouslaboratory work with an ultrasonic aerosol generator has shown thatmaterials like glassine have shown sufficient permeability with theadministration of an aerosol (65) having the preferred disinfectant or“applied agent” (20) contained therein. A high level of disinfection onthe opposing side of this example barrier material (47) was achieved.

With reference to FIGS. 10-11 and 24-25, the shadowing can also beovercome by the incorporation and use of movable fork(s) or beam(s)(49),(50) within the closed space or sterilization chamber (16) of thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 10-11. The endoscope (01) is firstplaced or positioned on one or more beam(s) or fork(s) (herein “startbeams”) (49). One or more beam(s) or fork(s) (herein “opposing beams”)(50) are also provided and they are intended to loosely interlock orintermesh with and/or oppose the start beams (49) without touching thestart beams (49). The beams or forks (49),(50) can vary in size andshape as desired. The start beams (49) or opposing beams (50) can bedesigned or constructed so that the endoscope (01) will not roll or moveoff of the beams. In order to maintain the position of the endoscope(01) on the various beams (49),(50), they can have one or more, withoutlimitation, indentations, ridges, bumps, or protrusions of varioussizes, shapes, and heights. They may also, without limitation, slope orcurve upward at various angles at locations including, but not limitedto the ends of the beams (49),(50). During the application of the“applied agent” (20), the start beams (49) or opposing beams (50) move,by way of any mechanical means that are known in the art, resulting inthe transfer of the endoscope(s) (01) so that it is moved from eitherthe start beams (49) to the opposing beams (50) or from the opposingbeams (50) to the start beams (49). This allows all of the endoscope(01) surfaces to be covered with the “applied agent” (20) as a result ofexposing those portions of the surface of the endoscope (01) covered bythe beams (49) when the endoscope (01) is moved onto the beams (50), orvice versa. These beams (49),(50) can then reverse their movement duringthe drying cycle to allow all of the endoscope (01) surfaces to dry ifit is necessary. The beams (49),(50) can move in either direction, orreverse their motion, one or more times for various steps in anyprocessing cycle. The movement of the beams (49),(50) can also vary,without limitation, in speed and range of motion, and are controlled ina manner well known in the art. It is preferred, without limitation,that the beams (49),(50) move at least at a speed or rate where theobject can be effectively, efficaciously, or gently, transfer from oneof the beams (49),(50) to the other. At least one of the beams (49),(50) moves vertically up or down relative to the other causing theobject to transfer from one of the beams (49), (50) to the other andthus exposing an area of the object previously covered by one of thebeams (49), (50). It is preferable that the object does not pivot orrotate, while transferred from one beam (49), (50) to the other or whileresting on the beams (49), (50). Any digital or analog controller knownto those skilled in the art can, without limitation, control theoperation of the movable fork(s) or beam(s) (49),(50), as discussedlater. A digital controller such as, but not limited to any programmablelogic circuit (PLC) or other means known to those skilled in the artcan, without limitation, control the operation of and be signaled thestatus of, the movable fork(s) or beam(s) (49),(50), all in way know.The status of the movable fork(s) or beam(s) (49),(50) can, withoutlimitation, signal and initiate other processes such as, but not limitedto, the commencement of any drying activities. The beams (49),(50) maybe constructed from the same materials used to construct thesterilization chamber (16) or pressure interface assembly (68).

The closed space, closed system of space, or sterilization chamber (16)can be purged, flowed, and/or filled with air or other gas from theoutside environment (fresh filtered air) either before and/or after the“applied agent” (20) or other liquids are administered or applied in thesterilization chamber (16). The fresh air/gas is moved into the closedspace, closed system of space, or sterilization chamber (16) via anyair/gas pump, vacuum pump, blower, fan, or other means to move air, orsource of pressurized air or gas (hereafter transfer device) (17), (51)and can move the fresh air at various volumes, rates, or speed. Ineither case, this can contribute to the removal of moisture, liquids,and/or “applied agent” (20) from the surfaces of the endoscope (01), andother surfaces and areas within the closed space or sterilizationchamber (16). The time needed to effectively remove the moisture,liquids, and/or “applied agent” (20) that had coated, interfaced,interacted, enveloped, or had contact with the surfaces, or filledareas, within the closed area or sterilization chamber (16), isdependent on variables such as, but not limited to, the applicationtime, temperature, relative humidity, flow rate, volume, and velocity,of the fresh air. It can also include the temperature of the targetedsurfaces or endoscope (01) and/or areas. The variables can vary in orderto remove the moisture, liquids, and/or “applied agent” (20) from thesesurfaces and areas in a manner that is as quick and effective aspossible. The air/gas from the outside environment (fresh filtered air)can also be used to remove moisture, liquids, and/or “applied agent”(20) present in the interior space or ducts (08) of the endoscope (01)within the sterilization chamber (16). This can, without limitation, beaccomplished by operating the same air/gas pump, vacuum pump, blower,fan, or other means (44),(17) which is used to create a positive ornegative air/gas pressure within the pressure interface assembly (68)that is attached to the object or endoscope (01), in order to flow freshair/gas through places such as, but not limited to, the interior spaceor ducts (08) of the object or endoscope (01). This is shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 4-5. The time needed to effectively remove the moisture,liquids, and/or “applied agent” (02) from the surfaces in thisapplication will vary and is affected by variables including but notlimited to the number, shape, diameter, and length of the interiorspaces or ducts (08) of the endoscope (01), as well as the applicationtime, temperature, relative humidity, flow rate and volume, andvelocity, of the applied fresh air/gas. The variables such as, but notlimited to, the fresh air/gas temperature, flow rate, volume, velocity,and relative humidity, can vary in order to remove the moisture,liquids, and/or “applied agent” (20) in a manner that is as quick andeffective as possible. The fresh air/gas that is used in this particularapplication can be sourced from either the fresh air/gas from theoutside environment that is flowed or moved into the sterilizationchamber (16), or it can be sourced directly from the outsideenvironment. The air/gas from the outside environment can be treated toreduce its relative humidity and can be heated to various temperaturesbefore it enters the closed space, sterilization chamber (16), orendoscope (01). The means to heat the air/gas (52) (29) is notspecifically set forth, but known to those skilled in the art. Heatingthe air/gas can contribute to the accelerated removal of any moisture,liquids, and/or “applied agent” (20) from the surfaces and areas withinthe closed space, closed system of space, or sterilization chamber (16),in addition to the external and internal surfaces or ducts (08) of theobject(s) or endoscope(s) within the closed space or sterilizationchamber (16). The air/gas from the outside environment can be filteredbefore it enters into the closed space, sterilization chamber, orendoscope (01). The fresh air/gas can be filtered with one or morefilters (53) such as but not limited to a 99.9% HEPA filter or otherhigh efficiency filter, or with other filters or means for filteringair/gas that is not specifically set forth, but known to those skilledin the art. The filter (53) can limit or prevent the contamination ofthe endoscope (01) within the closed space or sterilization chamber(16). The exhaust port (39) the air/gas within the closed system ofspace or sterilization chamber can also be incorporated into the presentinvention. The exhaust system and/or outlet or exhaust port (39), canalso include the use of one or more filters (54) or combination offilters (54) such as, but not limited to, a gas filtering filter, 99.9%HEPA filter or other high efficiency filter, or other filters or meansfor filtering (54) that is not specifically set forth, but known tothose skilled in the art. The exhaust is means for exhaust (39) can helpto establish a flow of fresh air/gas through the closed system of spaceor sterilization chamber (16) and allows the incoming fresh air/gas tofully replace the air/gas inside of these areas which can prevent thebuildup of positive pressure within the closed system of space orsterilization chamber (16). The exhausted flow of air/gas also helps toremove the “applied agent” (20) from the closed system of space orsterilization chamber (16). The filter(s) (54) can prevent thecontamination of objects or endoscopes (01) within the closed system ofspace or sterilization chamber (16) by filtering any potential backflowof air and/or gases, as well as filter and remove any “applied agent”(20), or any contaminants, in the air/gas before they are exhausted outof the present invention and into the external environment. In manysituations, air and gas filtering standards are dictated or impacted byregulatory entities, or by standards set within the industry in whichthe present invention operates. This may also affect the type or meansof air and/or gas filters (53),(54) that are used in the presentinvention. The fresh air/gas can also be moved into and through theclosed system of space or sterilization chamber (16) by locating a meansto move the air/gas such as but not limited to an air/gas pump, vacuumpump, blower, fan or other transfer device (17),(51) as earlierdescribed, at or near the exhaust port (39). The transfer device(17),(51) moves the air/gas can be located before or after any of thefilter(s) (53),(54) that filters the inbound or exhausted air/gas.

Referring to FIG. 13, in bound air from the transfer device (17),(51) ispassed through the filter (53), so that the inbound air/gas cannotcontaminate the endoscope (01) inside of the closed space orsterilization chamber (16). The inbound fresh air/gas may also be heatedby any means that can heat air/gas (52). The devices to move, filter,and heat the air/gas can be in any order. The air/gas is thencirculated, moved, or flowed into the closed space or sterilizationchamber (16). The transfer device (39) is used to ventilate the air/gasand the “applied agent” (20), out of the closed system of space orsterilization chamber (16). The vented air/gas can also pass through oneor more filters (54) before it is ventilated into the externalenvironment. One or more closure device (35) is also present toeffectively close off, seal, or separate, the closed system of space orsterilization chamber(s) (16) from the inbound fresh air/gas inlet (38),the transfer port (39), and/or any of the tubes, ducting, channels,tunnels, etc., that connect the fresh air/gas inlet or exhaust air/gasoutlet to the closed system of space or sterilization chamber (16). Thetransfer device (35) can be a door, flap, valve, lid, panel, or otherphysical means to contain the “applied agent” (20) or any air/gas thatis utilized or applied or administered, as well as the agents orsubstances that are used to wash the endoscopes (01) as discussedearlier.

With reference to FIGS. 21, 22 and 26-32, the at least onedehumidification apparatus (74) within the sterilization chamber(s) (16)or other area(s) where the “applied agent” (20) in aerosol form (65) isapplied may also, without limitation, be located within thesterilization chamber(s) (16) or other targeted area(s), or otherwise beoperatively coupled or attached to and/or about the sterilizationchamber (16), or anywhere along the path of any circulated orrecirculated air/gas (31) and aerosol (65), or other connected spaces.It is preferred, without limitation, that the dehumidification activityoccurs any time after the application of the “applied agent” (20) inaerosol form (65), which is unique in comparison to the prior art. Theprior art teaches that dehumidification is a necessary activity forachieving efficacious results before the application of certain appliedagent such as, but not limited to, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and istherefore not claimed in the present invention. However,dehumidification activities can, without limitation, take place any timeduring or after the processing of the endoscope in the presentinvention. The use of one or more dehumidification apparatus(s) (74) inthe present invention is beneficial in situations that include, but arenot limited to, where the air/gas and/or the “applied agent” (20) inaerosol form (65) within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) or targetedarea(s) cannot be evacuated for reasons known to those skilled in theart. The dehumidification apparatus (74) is constructed and operated ina manner known to those skilled in the art, and includes, but is notlimited to a dehumidification means where air/gas from the targetedenvironment is moved over any chilled media, to remove the humidity. Thedehumidification apparatus (74) may reduce or even sustain the humiditylevel to any desired level or percentage of humidity, and in a mannerthat is known to those skilled in the art. However, it is preferred,without limitation, that if the dehumidification apparatus (74) isoperated, it reduces the humidity to a level that is at leastefficacious or meets standards known to those skilled in the art. It ismore preferred that the humidity is reduced to a level that is equal toor less than 50% relative humidity. It is even more preferred that thehumidity is reduced to a level that is equal to or less than 20%relative humidity. After the sterilization chamber (16) or othertargeted area(s) are dehumidified or reach the desired humidity level,the air/gas within these spaces may be, without limitation, processed ina manner known to those skilled in the art to remove any substances suchas, but not limited to, any remaining odors, chemicals, smells, vapors,aerosols, or gases. This can be accomplished in ways that include, butare not limited to, passing the air/gas in the at least onesterilization chamber (16) or other targeted area(s) through at leastone filter (75) that contains carbon, charcoal, or any other applicablefiltering means known to those skilled in the art. The processed air/gascan be, without limitation, returned back to the sterilization chamber(16) or any space connected to the at least one sterilization chamber(16). The removal of any odors, chemicals, smells, vapors, aerosols, orgases, can also, without limitation, take place at any time. The atleast one filter (75) can also be operated simultaneously with thedehumidification apparatus (74). It is preferred, without limitation,that the at least one filter (75) is utilized after the sterilizationchamber (16) or other targeted area(s) are dehumidified to a desired oreffective level. Without being limited, the processing of the atmospherewithin the sterilization chamber (16) or other targeted area(s), withthe at least one filter (75), can also be triggered in various waysincluding, but not limited to using any, timers, dew point levels, orhumidity levels, to start the filtering (75) process.

The effective operation of the present invention can be accomplishedusing any electrical and/or electronic means to control the mechanismsthat the present invention depends on for its proper function. Theelectrical and electronic means can be programmed or electricallydesigned to execute, manage, monitor, or control, the present inventionand are not specifically set forth, but known to those skilled in theart. This means can monitor and control the function, as well as thetiming of use, of any electrically dependent components such as, but notlimited to, any valves, any means used for the production of the“applied agent” (20) used in the present invention as well as anyrelated mechanisms or systems, any means used to flow or move theair/gas and/or “applied agent” (20) within or out of the presentinvention, any means to heat the aerosol, air/gas, or floor of thesterilization chamber, any means used to flow or move the air/gas and/or“applied agent” (20) through the internal spaces or ducts (08) of theobject or endoscope (01), any packaging equipment or related systems, aswell as any other microcomputers that are used, such as but not limitedto, microcomputers or printers utilized to record and report theoperating parameters of each cycle of use.

According to an embodiment, the present invention also improves thecurrent art by decreasing the processing time for the simultaneous ornon-simultaneous cleaning and disinfection/sterilization of both theinterior and exterior surfaces of an object or plurality of objects suchas, but not limited to, an endoscope (01). It is more preferred, withoutlimitation, that the activities such as, but not limited to, thesoaking, washing, cleaning, disinfection/sterilization, rinsing, anddrying, of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an endoscope (01)or plurality of endoscopes (01) take place within the same sterilizationchamber (16). The pressure interface assembly (68) of the presentinvention may or may not be used, without limitation, in thisembodiment. However, it is preferred, without limitation, that thepressure interface assembly (68) is not used in this particularembodiment, and that the endoscope (01) is connected to a pipe, hose,tube, or other delivery means that can supply any surfactant, rinseliquid, or applied agent to the endoscope (01), or otherwise a supplytube (11).

Initially, processing steps utilized in the current art are followed inthis embodiment and involve the use of a washer (72) or other device ormeans, known to those skilled in the art, for activities including, butnot limited to, cleaning, washing, or disinfecting/sterilizingendoscopes (01) (herein called “washer”) (72). The washer (72) may,without limitation, be integrated into the design or construction of theenclosed area, chamber, or sterilization chamber (16) of the presentinvention. These steps are known to those skilled in the art andinclude, but are not limited to, wiping or cleaning the endoscope (01)to remove, or attempt removal of, any unwanted liquid, debris,contaminants, or other substances, and then placing the endoscope (01)into a washer (72) and interfacing it with a supply tube (11). Theendoscope (01) is placed on a rack, or other means known to thoseskilled in the art, to hold or position the endoscope (01) within thesterilization chamber (16) and/or washer (72). The supply tube (11)enables various liquids including but not limited to, surfactant, andhigh purity rinse water, to be moved through the various ducts (08) ofthe endoscope (01) at various stages of the cleaning process. The objector endoscope (01) may be, without limitation, soaked for any effectivetime period within liquids or compounds such as, but not limited to, anysurfactants or any other combination of various cleaning liquids, withinthe washer (72). The washer (72) then subjects, sprays, covers, floods,or a combination thereof, the endoscope (01) with liquids or compoundssuch as, but not limited to, any surfactants or other cleaning liquids,both inside and outside of the object or endoscope (01) for an effectiveamount of time all in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Afterthis cycle is completed, the inside as well as outside surfaces of theobject or endoscope (01) may be exposed to a liquid rinse, whichpreferably comprises one or more liquids that includes high puritywater. It is preferred, without limitation, that the endoscope (01) isrinsed with high purity water. Any surfactant solution and rinse liquidcan be used and it may be any temperature when it is used. It ispreferred, without limitation, that the surfactant used in the presentinvention is any surfactant that meets standards acceptable to theindustry in which it is used, as well as any regulatory requirements. Itis preferred, without limitation, that the rinse liquid used in thepresent invention is any high purity rinse water that meets standardsacceptable to the industry in which it is used, as well as anyregulatory requirements. The cycle time for the exposure of theendoscope (01) to any surfactant and rinse liquid can vary but is atleast efficacious. In order to decrease the processing time,improvements are made at this point to the current art.

According to an embodiment, any or all attributes, functions, features,or designs of the endoscope washer (72) utilized in the current art maybe integrated into the sterilization chamber (16) that is previouslydescribed in the present invention.

According to another embodiment after the endoscope (01) is treated withany surfactant and/or rinse water, its internal and external surfacesmay be dried. Any drying technique previously described in the presentinvention or known to those skilled in the art can be utilized in thisembodiment. It is preferred that any air/gas that may be heated and/orfiltered is flowed or otherwise moved into the sterilization chamber(16) and/or washer (72) in which the endoscope (01) is positioned inorder to dry it. The creation of a vacuum within the sterilizationchamber (16), of various negative atmospheric pressures, but at least anefficacious level of vacuum, may also be used for drying purposes. Thelevel or amount of dryness can vary. The drying of the internal andexternal surfaces of the endoscope (01) can be done simultaneously or atdifferent times, or it can be treated as mutually exclusive activitiesthat can or cannot be undertaken. It is preferred, without limitation,that all of the internal and external surfaces of the endoscope (01) aredried and that this activity is done simultaneously.

The internal surfaces of the endoscope (01) can be dried, withoutlimitation, by flowing air/gas through the supply tube (11) and thenthrough the endoscope (01). The air/gas can be heated and/or filtered.The air/gas, or other means used for surface drying, may be applied forany length of time to any surfaces of the endoscope (01).

According to an embodiment, the supply tube (11) is, without limitation,designed, manufactured, and incorporated, into the design of thesterilization chamber (16) and/or washer (72), and the endoscope (01) ina manner known to those skilled in the art. The supply tube (11) mayalso be effectively connected to any supply of, including, but notlimited to, air/gas, liquid surfactant, liquid for rinsing, and sourceof applied agents, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Thevarious controlled access points or the valves (35) that control theexposure of the endoscope (01) to various substances such as, but notlimited to, air/gas, liquid surfactant, liquid for rinsing, andanti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s), to thesupply tube (11) or endoscope (01) can be, without limitation, designedand controlled in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

According to a preferred embodiment, after the endoscope (01) undergoesvarious activities such as, but not limited to, cleaning withsurfactant, rinsing with water and optionally alcohol in separate steps,and drying (if desired), the inside and outside surfaces of theendoscope (01) are treated with an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidalagent(s) or substance(s) that is, in the form of any aerosol. Theapplied agents are created, generated, and/or administered in or intothe sterilization chamber (16) and/or the washer (72) in which theendoscope (01) are placed. It is preferred that the treated surfaces aredried before the anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) orsubstance(s) is applied, such as by passing a drying gas over thesurfaces of the endoscope (01). This may enhance the efficacy or cycletime of the process. It is preferred, without limitation, that theapplied agent is an aqueous aerosol (65), consisting of, but not limitedto, any acidic oxidizer, generated by one or more of any transducer (22)or ultrasonic nebulizer(s) (22) of any design or construction. However,any other means for generating an effective aerosol (65) may also beused. The aerosol (65) may be of any concentration, number, size, ordensity, however it is preferred, without limitation, that the aerosol(65) includes a plurality of droplets whose size is five micron or less.The aerosol (65) can be generated from any liquid that is at anytemperature. The aerosol (65) is delivered to the internal surfaces,areas, or ducts (08) of the endoscope (01) via a supply tube (11). Thisparticular embodiment may improve the current art by significantlydecreasing the endoscope (01) processing time.

According to an embodiment, the applied agent that is used to treat theendoscope (01) may also be in the form of any gas, plasma, or vapor. Theprior art includes the use of an applied liquid agent through thevarious internal spaces such as, but not limited to the ducts (08) of anendoscope (01), as well as over the various external surfaces of theendoscope (01), and is therefore not claimed in the present invention.

After this cycle is completed, the ducts (08) or internal, as well asexternal surfaces of the endoscope (01) may be exposed or subjected to aliquid rinse, which includes one or more liquids, substances, orcompounds, that includes, but is not limited to high purity water oralcohol, all in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Theendoscope (01) can then be removed from the sterilization chamber (16)and/or washer (72) and hung to dry.

According to another embodiment as an alternative to hanging theendoscope (01) to dry, the inside and outside surfaces of the endoscope(01) are dried with various means such as, but not limited to, the atleast one dehumidification apparatus (74), formation of a negativeatmospheric pressure or vacuum in the sterilization chamber (16), orair/gas or heated air/gas, before it is removed from the sterilizationchamber (16) and/or washer (72). It is preferred that the air/gas isheated. The air/gas can be heated in a manner known to those skilled inthe art. The supply tube (11) may be used to supply air or heated air tothe inside surfaces or ducts (08) of the endoscope (01).

According to a preferred embodiment, after the endoscope (01) undergoesvarious activities such as cleaning with surfactant, rinsing, drying (ifdesired), and the inside and outside surfaces of the endoscope (01) arethen treated with an applied agent, the final rinsing activity(s) arenot utilized and the endoscope is instead subjected to the final dryingactivity. This offers the benefit of significantly reducing processingtime. It is preferred that this is conducted with an “applied agent”(20) in the form of an aqueous aerosol (65), including, but not limitedto, any acidic oxidizer, generated by one or more of any transducer (22)or ultrasonic nebulizer(s) (22) of any design or construction. However,this embodiment can also pertain to any gas, plasma, vapor, and/oraerosol that is utilized.

According to an embodiment, any objects including, but not limited toendoscope(s) (01), the atmosphere in which they reside, any surfaces inthe sterilization chamber (16) or any interconnected areas, can be,without limitation, cooled before, during, or after the aerosol (65) isintroduced. This effect will apply to interfacing surfaces, as well asthe inside surfaces of object(s) or endoscope(s) such as, but notlimited, lumens or duct(s) (08). This embodiment should not be confusedwith what was taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,951 (Koubek at al., 1983),which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including anyreferences cited therein. Koubek et al., 1983, taught a method ofsterilization where a liquid of aqueous hydrogen peroxide is vaporized,and the uniformly vaporized mixed hydrogen peroxide-water vapors aredelivered into an evacuated sterilizer chamber, and the articles to besterilized are cooled prior to the introduction of the vapor (or arecooled by the evacuation of air from the sterilizing zone) to atemperature below the dew point of the entering vapors. The condensingvapor deposits as a film on the cool surfaces (col 2, line 40-51).Koubek et al., 1983, also mentions in Claim 2 that the result ofvaporization was a mixed “gaseous vapor” consisting of hydrogen peroxideand water vapor free of solid contaminants.

The present embodiment of “cooling” is intended to optimize theattraction of heated droplets of the “applied agent” to the targetedarea in conformance with the laws of physics and not to create acondensate from a vapor as taught by Koubek. Here, the difference intemperate between the droplets and the object's surface causes thedroplet to be attracted to the surface as if it were electricallycharged.

Basic principles applied in this embodiment are taught in the textentitled, “Aerosol Technology” by William C. Hinds (1982), which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including anyreferences cited therein. Without limitation, the cooling of the saidobject(s), surfaces, or environment or atmosphere, within thesterilization chamber (16), in the present invention, can accentuate theperformance or efficacy of the aerosol (65) generated by the aerosolgenerator (15) in the present invention. In addition, and without beinglimited to a mechanism or method, the aforementioned principles taughtby William C. Hinds (1982), show that the efficacy, efficiency, andperformance of the process in the present invention can be furtherenhanced by introducing an aerosol (65), consisting of a heated “appliedagent” (20) into the sterilization chamber(s) (16) containing objectswith cooled surfaces.

The cooling of any object(s) or endoscope(s) (01), surface(s), space(s),environment(s), or atmosphere(s), within the sterilization chamber(s)(16), can be accomplished by any means other than by decreasing thepressure or pulling a vacuum. Creating a vacuum in an enclosed area andapplying an aerosol was taught in the prior art by U.S. PatentApplication No. 2005/0042130 A1 (Lin et al., 2003). However, Lin et al.,was silent with respect to cooling surfaces within the sterilizationchamber or targeted area, and only mentioned the vaporization of theapplied aerosol as being an enhancement or advantage that further vacuumpast 5 torr would provide (pg. 2 paragraph 28). The vacuum utilized byLin et al., (pg. 2 paragraph 28) to obtain data, was intended to movethe aerosol through the sterilization chamber. In addition, using avacuum to cool object(s), surfaces, or environment or atmosphere, withina enclosed area, would not be desired in this embodiment due to thecomplexity and expense involved in designing a chamber for the necessaryvacuum and the expense of acquiring the necessary pump, which is allknown to those skilled in the art. It is desired that another means forcooling object(s) or endoscope(s) (01), surfaces, or environment oratmosphere, within the sterilization chamber(s) (16), other thanutilizing a vacuum, be utilized.

As shown in FIGS. 20-23 and 26-32, it is preferred, without limitation,that the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and its atmosphere, environment,objects, or any of the targeted surfaces within the sterilizationchamber(s) (16), be cooled with air or gas that is cooled or chilled ina manner known to those skilled in the art. It is further preferred,without limitation, that the air or gas is cooled or chilled with one ormore chill coils or refrigerated air systems (76) that are known tothose skilled in the art. It is even more preferred, without limitation,that the air or gas within the sterilization chamber(s) (16), is cooledor chilled with any thermoelectric cooling means (76), or any meansknown in the art for reducing temperature that uses a Peltier effect(76). Any number, size, capacity, or combination, of the thermoelectriccooling system(s) (76) and/or the refrigerated air system(s) (76), whichchill or cool the air or gas can be, without limitation, attached to theaerosol generating apparatus (15) in the present invention, be separatefrom the aerosol generating apparatus (15) and connect with at least onepipe (77) or outbound cooled air pipe(s) (78) or inbound air pipe(s)(79) that connect with the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s)(16), or it can be part of, directly or indirectly connected to, orpositioned anywhere within the targeted area(s) or sterilizationchamber(s) (16) to be treated. It can be controlled by one or morePLC(s) or remote PLC(s) in a manner known to those skilled in the art.Without limitation, any pipe(s) that lead to (79) or from (78) thesource of the thermoelectric or refrigerated cooled or chilled (76) airor gas, can be operably separated from the targeted area(s) orsterilization chamber(s) (16) with one or more of any door, valve, cap,or other separating device or valve (Herein called “valve(s)”) (80) thatcan be controlled by one or more PLC(s) or remote PLC(s). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the valve(s) (80) can effectivelyseal. Without limitation, one or more valve(s) (80) may also bepositioned at any location between the location where the administeredair/gas or aerosol enters any pipe(s) (78) (79) or targeted area(s) orsterilization chamber(s) (16) and the aerosol generating apparatus (15),and can be controlled by one or more PLC(s) or remote PLC(s). The saidvalve(s), pipe(s), or other related part(s) or component(s) can all beconstructed from any material that is compatible, and suitable for usewith the liquid (20). Without limitation, the amount or duration of airor gas that is flowed into or recirculated through the targeted area(s)or sterilization chamber(s) (16), the locations that the air or gas isflowed into or out of the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s)(16), the temperature of the air or gas, as well as the temperature ofthe surfaces within the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s)(16) can vary depending on variables such as, but not limited to, theapplication, the level of performance that is desired, desiredapplication time, as well as the volume of the targeted area(s) orsterilization chamber(s) (16).

Without limitation, the temperature of the atmosphere, surfaces, orspace(s) in the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s) (16) can becooled to at least nine degrees Fahrenheit below the temperature of theapplied liquid (20). It is preferred, without limitation, that thetemperature of the atmosphere, surfaces, or space(s) in the targetedarea(s) or sterilization chamber(s) (16) be cooled to at least nine totwenty-five degrees Fahrenheit below the temperature of the appliedliquid (20). However, it is more preferred, without limitation, that thetemperature of the atmosphere, surfaces, or space(s) in the targetedarea(s) or sterilization chamber(s) (16) be cooled to at least fortydegrees Fahrenheit or lower. It is further preferred, withoutlimitation, that the temperature of the atmosphere, surfaces, orspace(s) in the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s) (16) becooled to at least thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It is verypreferred, without limitation, that the temperature of the surfaces, orspace(s) within the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s) (16) becooled at least to any effective temperature approximately near or belowthe dew point within the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s)(16). The temperature of the applied liquid (20) of which the aerosol(65) is created or the temperature to which the aerosol (65) is heatedwith other means, can also vary.

The internal space(s) of an object including, but not limited to any,lumen(s), channel(s), or duct(s) (08), of an object or endoscope (01),as well as the areas and surfaces that interface or articulate with thepressure interface assembly (68) can also be, without limitation, cooledwith air or gas that is cooled or chilled. The cooled or chilled air orgas can be delivered with means such as, but not limited to, thepressure interface assembly (68) which can be directly or indirectlyconnected to the source of the cooled or chilled air or gas. Thepressure interface assembly (68) can be, without limitation, separatedfrom the source of the cooled or chilled air by any PLC controlled valve(80).

According to an embodiment, any object(s) (01) processed in thesterilization chamber(s) (16) or other connected areas, can alsoinclude, without limitation, one or more of any package that isunsealed, partially sealed, or hermetically sealed. The package(s) canhave one or more of any contents. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 26-28, it ispreferred, without limitation, that the package(s) be placed in thesterilization chamber (16) on perforated rack(s) (90) containingperforations of any size, shape, or construction. It is also preferred,without limitation, that the packages incorporate at least an effectiveor efficacious amount of any sufficiently porous or permeable materialssuch as, but not limited to, Tyvek, or other similar functioningmaterial, in their design. Furthermore, the package can be, withoutlimitation, designed in manner known to those skilled in the art, sothat it can allow free passage of any quantity of air, gas, and/or anyagent(s) through the package.

With reference to FIGS. 22-23, according to another embodiment, andwithout limitation, any product used to measure or indicate the efficacyof the one or more processing steps utilized within the sterilizationchamber (16) such as, but not limited to, chemical or biologicalindicator(s) used for validation of high level disinfection orsterilization (herein called “indicator(s)”) (81), can be locatedanywhere within the sterilization chamber (16). It is more preferred,without limitation, that one or more of these indicator(s) (81) belocated in a indicator enclosure (83) behind one or more valve(s),door(s), cap(s), or cover(s) (herein called “door(s)) (82). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the door(s) (82) effectively sealthe indicator enclosure (83) in which the indicator(s) (81) are located,to prevent any unwanted damage or changes to the indicator(s) (81) fromany substance(s) or condition(s) that may be used in the sterilizationchamber(s) (16) during various processing steps. Referring to FIGS.22-23, the door(s) (82) can open at any time including, but not limitedto, before or during the application of the applied agent(s) (20) insidethe sterilization chamber(s) (16). The door(s) (82) can be opened,closed, or maintained in their desired position, at any time and for anyduration of time. The movement of the door(s) (82) at any time can be,without limitation, PLC controlled, all in a manner known to thoseskilled in the art.

According to an embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 24-25, it ispreferred, without limitation, that various objects or endoscope(s) (01)can be, without limitation, held, supported, hung, cradled, suspended,positioned, or supported, within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) byone or more of various devices including, but not limited to any,clamp(s), fork(s) (49)(50), beam(s) (49)(50), shelve(s), rack(s) (90),member(s), hook(s), ring(s), cradle(s), or support pillar(s) (hereincalled “object support(s)”) (84). Furthermore, these object support(s)(84) can, without limitation, be designed to have one or more opening(s)(85), which can serve as either, or both, outlet(s) or inlet(s), throughwhich various substances or materials used to process the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) within the sterilization chamber (16) can flow suchas, but not limited to any, surfactant, rinse water, high purity rinsewater, alcohol solution, “applied agent(s)”, air/gas, heated air/gas.These various substances or materials may flow either out of or into theone or more opening(s) (85), where by doing so, they can directly orindirectly contact or interact with various surfaces the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01). Any number of opening(s) (85) may be utilized andpositioned anywhere on the object support(s) (84), but it is preferred,without limitation, that at least an effective number of objectsupport(s) (84) are used, and they at least effectively face varioussurfaces of the object or endoscope (01). The opening(s) (85) may be anysize, shape, geometry, or design, known to those skilled in the art. Thevarious substances or materials used to process the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) within the sterilization chamber (16) can flow or moveat any quantity, rate, or pressure, at any time. These materials orsubstances can be, without limitation, supplied to the opening(s) (85)through one or more of various supply hose(s), pipe(s), conduit(s), orchannel(s) (herein called “process hose(s)”) (88), and are flowed ormoved in a manner known to those skilled in the art. One or more of anyopening(s) (85) can be, without limitation, dedicated and plumbed (87)with an aerosol generation device (15) to flow one or more of anysubstance(s) or material(s) at any time, or at any designated time(s),and for any duration of time, in order to process the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01).

Referring to FIGS. 24-25, an object interface material (herein called“object interface”) (89) may also, without limitation, be positioned ormaintained between the object support(s) (84) and the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01). This assures that all of the surfaces of theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) in contact with the object interface (89)have sufficient exposure to the aerosol (65) of an “applied agent” (20)through either direct and/or indirect contact, for their sanitization,disinfection, high-level disinfection, or sterilization, depending onthe agent used and the exposure time. For example and withoutlimitation, any absorbent object interface (89) material may alsoindirectly deploy/transmit the “applied agent” (20) that is aerosolized,to the articulated areas and surfaces by the interaction or movement ofthe “applied agent” (20) through the interface formed from the selectedmaterial.

Referring to FIG. 25, the object interface (89) can be, withoutlimitation, porous, and/or permeable, and be constructed from materialsthat can provide effective performance and the desired level of efficacyfor the process. The object interface (89) can be, without limitation,constructed of one or more layers of material. The object interface (89)may also have absorbent characteristics to improve its efficacy andperformance. The object interface (89) is intended, without limitation,to allow the various substances or materials used to process theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) within the sterilization chamber (16), tomove or flow through the interface layer at a controlled, but effectualrate.

Referring to FIG. 25, the object interface (89) can be manufactured froma variety of materials including, but not limited to, cloth, gauze,manufactured fibers, synthetic fibers, natural fibers or materials,cellulose, polymer, polyolefin, glass, metal, ceramic, carbon,combinations of these materials, or other materials know in the art. Theobject interface (89) can be coated with chemicals, materials, orsubstances including, but not limited to, polymer(s), polyolefin, wax,silver, lipid, oil, enamel, paint, carbon, metal, combinations of thesematerials, or other materials known in the art. The object interface(89) can be electrically or electrostatically charged or uncharged inorder to attract the “applied agent” (20). The electrostatic potentialor polarity of the various materials as well as the “applied agent” (20)can, without limitation, vary. Object interface materials (89) that aredeveloped in the future, may be utilized to improve the efficacy of thedesign or its application to certain objects or endoscopes (01). Theobject interface (89) and its effectiveness can vary with variablesincluding but not limited to, its size, width, surface area, shape, fit,thickness, density, hardness, elasticity, flow rate, porosity,permeability, evenness of air/gas flow, mechanical properties, physicalproperties, and other variables known to those skilled in the art.However, the effectiveness and efficacy of each object interface (89)that is used may, without limitation, increase with attributes such as,but not limited to, the uniformity of these variables throughout theinterface that is used. The object interface (89) material can be,without limitation, permanently attached to the object support(s) (84),or it can be designed to be easily removed and replaced, all in a mannerknown to those skilled in the art. The “object support(s) (84) can also,without limitation, be constructed either partially or completely fromthe same materials, and in the same manner and concept, as the objectinterface (89).

According to an embodiment, one or more object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)can be placed inside of, and effectively sealed within, one or moresterilization chamber(s) (16). The sterilization chamber(s) (16), can beany size, shape, or geometry. The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can be,without limitation, located or positioned on any racks (90), objectsupports (84), cradle(s), or other effective materials (47) inside thesterilization chamber(s) (16). It is preferred, without limitation thatthe racks (90) are preferably perforated, and the perforations can beany size, number, and construction. The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)can be, without limitation, washed, cleaned, and dried, inside of thesterilization chamber (16), all in a manner known to those skilled inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 22, 26-29, and 32, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)can also, without limitation, be one or more package(s) (91) of varioustypes and construction. It is also preferred, without limitation, thatthe package(s) (91) are constructed from at least an effective orefficacious amount of any sufficiently porous film, sheet, or othermaterial, such as, but not limited to any, woven or unwoven substrate,spun-bonded olefin, or microporous material (92). Any other effectivepackaging materials or package designs known to those skilled in the artmay also be utilized. The package can be, without limitation, designedin manner known to those skilled in the art, so that it can allow freepassage of any quantity of air, gas, and/or any agent(s) through thepackage. This can, without limitation, enable the passage of anefficacious or effective amount of the “applied agent” (20), which isadministered into the sterilization chamber(s) (16), to move into thepackage(s) (91) and treat or interact with the various surfaces withinthe package(s) (91). The package(s) (91) does not have to be washed orcleaned, unless desired or needed. However, the various object(s) orendoscope(s) (01), including any package (91) can, without limitation,undergo any processing steps or cycle(s) that includes, but it notlimited to any, soaking, washing, rinsing, drying, and/or temperaturedecrease or cooling, before they are treated with an “applied agent”(20). The various processing steps or cycle(s), can occur or transpirefor any length of time. It is preferred, without limitation that theprocessing steps or cycle(s), occur or transpire for at least aneffective amount of time, and in any effective order. The package(s)(91) can be, without limitation, sealed, partially sealed, orhermetically sealed. The package(s) (91) can be designed in various waysknown in the art. The package(s) (91) may also have any, withoutlimitation, interior volume, wall thickness, or permeability for varioussubstances. It is preferred, without limitation, that at least aneffective interior volume, wall thickness, or permeability, is used. Thepackages (91), object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can also, withoutlimitation, be designed in a manner known to those skilled in the art,so that they contain, hold, maintain, or are integrated with, one ormore of any products used to measure the efficacy of the one or moreprocessing steps utilized within the sterilization chamber such as, butnot limited to, any indicator(s) (81). In addition, the packages (91),object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can also, without limitation, be designedin a manner known to those skilled in the art, so that the status of theindicator(s) (81) can be easily visible, or visible from outside of thepackage (91).

Referring to FIGS. 26-30, the sterilization chamber(s) (16) can directlyor indirectly connect to one or more secondary chamber(s) (93). Bothchambers (16),(93) should also be designed and constructed to withstand,without limitation, various positive and negative pressures, includingpressures that are near a vacuum. The secondary chamber(s) (93) can beany size, shape, geometry, and have any number of connected areas. It ispreferred, without limitation, that the secondary chamber(s) (93) is atleast the same size, as the sterilization chamber(s) (16). It is morepreferred that the secondary chamber(s) (93) is at least effectivelylarger than the than the sterilization chamber(s) (16). Withoutlimitation, one or more of any valves, caps, airlocks, or othereffectively sealing door(s) known in the art that can control the flowof any gas, (herein called “pressure valve(s)” (94)), can be positionedanywhere along the path of any moving air, gas, and/or “applied agent”(20) between the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and the secondarychamber(s) (93). One or more paths may be used to flow or move variousmaterial(s) or substance(s) including, but not limited to any, air, gas,and/or “applied agent” (20) between the sterilization chamber(s) (16)and the secondary chamber(s) (93). The pressure valve(s) (94) controlthe flow of any air, gas, and “applied agent” (20) between thesterilization chamber(s) (16) and the secondary chamber(s) (93). Thepressure valve(s) (94) can have any effectual operation speed foropening and closing, means of sealing, size, and design. The valve(s)(94) can also be, without limitation, positioned or directly orindirectly connected anywhere on or to, the sterilization chamber (16).

As shown in FIGS. 26-27 and 29, one or more of any filter(s) (97) of anysize, filtering capacity, level of filtering, or construction, known inthe art, may be, without limitation, utilized or positioned anywherebetween the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and the secondary chamber(s)(93), to filter the flow of any air, gas, and “applied agent” (20). Anyfilter(s) (97) may be used, which may have any level of effectivefiltering, but is preferred, without limitation, that one or morefilter(s) (97) is used that can filter out or remove airborne aerosolparticles larger than or equal to, “three” micron in size. It is morepreferred, without limitation, that one or more filter(s) (97) be usedthat can filter out or remove airborne aerosol particles larger than orequal to, “one” micron in size. It is even more preferred, withoutlimitation, that one or more filter(s) (97) be used that can filter outor remove airborne aerosol particles larger than or equal to, “half or0.5” micron in size. It is very preferred, without limitation, that oneor more filter(s) (97) be used that can filter out or remove airborneaerosol particles larger than or equal to “a tenth or 0.1” micron insize.

As shown in FIGS. 26-27 and 29, filtering a generated or deployedaerosol was initially demonstrated by the inventors of the presentinvention in a public area at the Richland, Wa. Municipal Airport onOct. 9, 2003. Staff from Washington State University, observed aerosolcreated by the aerosol generating apparatus described in the presentinvention, pass through a long tortuous path created with 150 feet ofsix inch diameter flex ducting, that terminated with various filtermedia including a HEPA filter and a furnace filter. This same system wasused to dehumidify and dry the system of ductwork, after the aerosol wasdeployed. Any filter may also be used, without limitation, to filter anyoutput from the means to generate and deploy the “applied agent” (20).

In a preferred part of this embodiment, the sterilization chamber(s)(16) can be located inside of a larger secondary chamber (93) that canalso effectively seal. In this application, as shown in FIG. 28, it isadvantageous that both chambers (16),(93) have one or more sealing doors(96), that are at least adequately sized and positioned, so that objectsor endoscopes (01) may be easily moved from the sterilization chamber(16) for use.

In a very preferred part of this embodiment, and without limitation, thesecondary chamber (93) can be located anywhere outside of thesterilization chamber (16), and effectively connect with thesterilization chamber (93) in one or more places. As shown in FIGS.26-27 and 29-30, this connection can be made with one or more of variouspipes, supply hose(s), conduit(s), or channel(s) (herein called “flowpipe(s)”) (95). The sterilization chamber(s) (16) in this applicationshould also have one or more sealing doors (96) that are at leastadequately sized and positioned, so that objects or endoscopes (01) maybe easily moved from the sterilization chamber (16) for use.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 30, and according to an embodiment, thepressure within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) can be, withoutlimitation, reduced with any suitable negative pressure device (98)known to those skilled in the art (such as a vacuum pump), to anyeffective pressure below atmospheric pressure, and more preferably neara vacuum. In comparison, the pressure within the secondary chamber(s)(93) can be, without limitation, increased with any positive pressuredevice (99) known to those skilled in the art (such as a positivepressure pump), to any effective pressure above standard atmosphericpressure. The secondary chamber(s) (93) is filled with the applied agent(20), and once it is effectively full or has reached an effectivedensity, the one or more “pressure valve(s)” (94), can be opened toallow the “applied agent” (20) to flow or move into the sterilizationchamber(s) (16) at any effective speed, quantity, or rate of flow tooverwhelm the endoscope (01) or object in the sterilization chamber(s)(16). It is preferred, without limitation, that the one or more“pressure valve(s)” (94), are simultaneously opened within one second orless. The one or more “pressure valve(s)” (94) can be controlled by oneor more PLC(s) or remote PLC(s) in a manner known to those skilled inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 30, and according to another embodiment, thepressure within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) can be, withoutlimitation, kept effectively near standard atmospheric pressure in amanner known in the art. In comparison, the pressure within thesecondary chamber(s) (93) can be, without limitation, increased with thepositive pressure device (99) known to those skilled in the art, to anyeffective pressure above standard atmospheric pressure. The secondarychamber(s) (93) is filled with the applied agent (20), and once it iseffectively full or has reached an effective density, the one or more“pressure valve(s)” (94), can be opened to allow the “applied agent”(20) to flow or move into the sterilization chamber(s) (16) at any,effective speed, quantity, or rate of flow. It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that the one or more “pressure valve(s)” (94), aresimultaneously opened within one second or less. The one or more“pressure valve(s)” (94) can be controlled by one or more PLC(s) orremote PLC(s) in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 26-27 and 29-30 and, according to a preferredembodiment, the pressure within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) canbe, without limitation, reduced with the negative pressure device (98)known to those skilled in the art, to any effective pressure belowatmospheric pressure, and more preferably near a vacuum. In comparison,the pressure within the secondary chamber(s) (93) can be, withoutlimitation, kept effectively near standard atmospheric pressure in amanner known to those skilled in the art. The secondary chamber(s) (93)is filled with the applied agent (20), and once it is effectively fullor has reached an effective density, the one or more pressure valve(s)(94), can be opened to allow the “applied agent” (20) to flow or moveinto the sterilization chamber(s) (16) at any effective speed, quantity,or rate of flow. It is preferred, without limitation, that the one ormore pressure valve(s)” (94), are simultaneously opened within onesecond or less. The one or more “pressure valve(s)” (94) can becontrolled by one or more PLC(s) or remote PLC(s) in a manner known tothose skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, 4-5, 12-13, 20-23, and 26-32, the applied agent(20) in these embodiments can, without limitation, continue beingdeployed or applied into the secondary chamber(s) (93) and/or thesterilization chamber(s) (16) until effective exposure or coverage ofthe surfaces in the targeted area(s) is achieved. Any amount of time cantranspire after the deployment of the applied agent (20) is terminated,and the next processing step(s) or cycle(s) is started. This period oftime is called the “dwell time”. It is preferred, without limitation,that the dwell time is at least three minutes. It is more preferred,without limitation, that the dwell time is at least six minutes. It iseven more preferred, without limitation, that the dwell time is at leastten minutes. It is very preferred, without limitation, that the dwelltime is at least fifteen minutes. With reference now to FIGS. 26 and 30,after the “pressure valve(s)” (94), are opened, the pressure withineither, or both, the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and/or the secondarychamber(s) (93), can be increased to any effective pressure, with thepositive pressure device (99) known to those skilled in the art, for anyeffective period of time. In addition, after the pressure valve(s)”(94), are opened, the temperature within either, or both, thesterilization chamber(s) (16) and/or the secondary chamber(s) (93), canalso be increased to any effective elevated temperature for anyeffective period of time using one or more means known to those skilledin the art. The sterilization chamber(s) (16) and its contents, and/orthe secondary chamber(s) (93), can be, without limitation, furtherprocessed in a manner previously discussed in the present invention,including, but not limited to, any drying, dehumidification, ordeodorizing activities. These various processing step(s) or cycle(s) canoccur or transpire for any length of time, and in any effective order.In addition, any number of the steps or cycles in the present invention,or combination of the steps or cycles in the present invention, maywithout limitation, be repeated any number of times at any time, toefficaciously process the one or more object(s) (01) or package(s) (91).The one or more endoscope(s) or object(s) (01), or package(s) (91), mayalso, without limitation, be processed multiple times with a completeprocessing cycle, including various steps, in order to obtain the neededor desired level of efficacy. The one or more “pressure valve(s)” (94),can remain open or closed at any time, and for any time period that isneeded, to complete the various processing steps within either, or both,the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and/or the secondary chamber(s) (93).Any components in the sterilization chamber can also, withoutlimitation, be effectively cooled anytime before any applied agent (20)is administered. The pressure interface assembly (68) may also, withoutlimitation, be used at any time.

Referring to FIGS. 20-23 and 26-32, and according to an embodiment, thevarious means used to process the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) suchas, but not limited to dehumidify with the dehumidification apparatus(74), chill or cool with any thermoelectric cooled or chilled air or gassystem(s) (76) or refrigerated air or gas system(s) (76) the atmosphere,environment, objects, or any of the targeted surfaces, increaseatmospheric pressure with the positive pressure pump (99) or decreaseatmospheric pressure with the negative pressure pump (98), or removesubstances with the filter(s) (75) such as, but not limited to, anyremaining odors, chemicals, smells, vapors, or gases, within the one ormore sterilization chamber(s) (16), secondary chamber(s) (93), orinterconnected spaces, can be, without limitation, effectivelyinterfaced or connected to these areas in various ways known to thoseskilled in the art. The thermoelectric air or gas cooling system(s) (76)and/or refrigerated air or gas system(s) (76), dehumidificationapparatus (74), the filter(s) (75), the negative pressure device (98)and the positive pressure device (99) may also effectively interface orconnect directly or indirectly to one or more areas such as, but notlimited to any, targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s) (16),secondary chamber(s) (93), or connected space(s). The thermoelectric airor gas cooling system(s) (76) and/or refrigerated air or gas system(s)(76), dehumidification apparatus (74), the filter(s) (75), the negativepressure device (98) and the positive pressure device (99) may be,without limitation, separated from the one or more sterilizationchamber(s) (16), secondary chamber(s) (93), or interconnected spaceswith one or more valve(s) (80), that can all be controlled by one ormore PLC(s) or remote PLC(s) in a manner known to those skilled in theart.

According to an embodiment, and with reference now to FIGS. 29-33, thesterilization chamber(s) (16) can, without limitation, directly orindirectly connect with the aerosol generator(s) (15) via one or more“return pipe(s)” (101). This connection can allow air/gas and anyapplied agent(s) (20) or aerosol(s) (65) delivered into thesterilization chamber (16) to flow or recirculate back to the aerosolgenerator (15) forming a loop. Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, one or more“connector pipe(s)” (102) can also, without limitation, directly orindirectly connect with the aerosol generator (15) and one or moresupply tube(s) (11) and/or one or more pressure interface assembly(s)(68) located within the sterilization chamber. It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that the applied agent(s) (20) or aerosol(s) (65) aredelivered via the connector pipe(s) (102) to the supply tube(s) (11)and/or pressure interface assembly(s) (68) from the aerosol generator(15). Without limitation, one or more valve(s) (80) may also bepositioned at any location between the sterilization chamber (16) andthe aerosol generator (15) for both the return pipe(s) (101), and/or thedelivery pipe(s) (102). The valve(s) (80) can all be controlled by oneor more PLC(s) or remote PLC(s) in a manner known to those skilled inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 26-27 and 29-30, the various gas(s), air, substances,or materials, used to process the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) canflow or move at any quantity, rate, or pressure, at any time. Thesematerials or substances can be, without limitation, supplied or movedthrough one or more of various supply hose(s), pipe(s), conduit(s), orchannel(s) (herein called “process pipe(s)”) (100), and are flowed ormoved to or from the one or more sterilization chamber(s) (16),secondary chamber(s) (93), or interconnected spaces, to or from at leastone of the thermoelectric air or gas cooling system(s) (76) and/orrefrigerated air or gas system(s) (76), dehumidification apparatus (74),the filter(s) (75), the negative pressure device (98) and the positivepressure device (99) in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment, it is preferred, without limitation, thatthe following processing steps or cycle(s), occur or transpire in thefollowing order, for at least an effective amount of time. Delays oftime may also, without limitation, exist between the various processingsteps or cycle(s). If any delay of time does occur, it is preferred,without limitation, that it is at least an effective amount of time. Theorder of the one or more of these processing steps or cycle(s) can also,without limitation, be changed. In addition, one or more, orcombinations of one or more, of these steps may also be, withoutlimitation, utilized. One or more of these processing steps or cycle(s)can also, without limitation, be removed and not enacted. In addition,any number of the steps or cycles in the present invention, orcombination of the steps or cycles in the present invention, may withoutlimitation, be repeated any number of times at any time, toefficaciously process the one or more object(s) (01) or package(s) (91).The one or more endoscope(s) or object(s) (01), or package(s) (91), mayalso, without limitation, be processed multiple times with a completeprocessing cycle, including various steps, in order to obtain the neededor desired level of efficacy. Without being limited, the pressureinterface assembly (68) can also be utilized when its application canprovide an efficacious or desired outcome. The one or more processingsteps or cycle(s) are as follows:

a) Soak object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) in a solution.

b) Wash object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).

c) Rinse object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).

d) Dry object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).

e) Cool or chill surfaces of object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).

f) If two interconnected chambers, separated by one or more valves(s)(94), are used, and the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) are locatedwithin the sterilization chamber (16), and it is connected to asecondary chamber (93), the two chambers can each be subjected tovarious combinations of any pressure within the chambers. The one ormore valve(s) (94) are opened once the secondary chamber (93) iseffectively and sufficiently filled with the applied agent(s) (20).g) Generate and deploy the applied agent(s) (20) to the various surfaceswithin sterilization chamber (16) for effective amount of time.h) Terminate application of applied agent(s) (20)i) Use effective dwell time if needed.j) Dehumidify sterilization chamber (16) and secondary chamber (93) (ifused), to obtain an effective relative humidity.k) Filter the atmosphere within the sterilization chamber (16) andsecondary chamber (93) (if used), to remove any odor(s), gase(s), orvapor(s), with an effective filtering device(s) (75).

With reference to FIG. 33, according to another embodiment, and withoutlimitation, one or more sensors (103), or the means for indirect ordirect communication with one or more sensor(s) (103) or anyprogrammable logic circuit(s) or controller(s) which are connected toone or more sensor(s) (103), can be utilized to determine if aneffective or sufficient amount of aerosol (65) has been delivered intothe sterilization chamber(s) (16). This embodiment was initially taughtin U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,016 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/816,986, both entitled “Method and Apparatus For An Improved AerosolGenerator and Associated Uses and Equipment,” which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The at least one sensor(s) (103) can be located in any area that istargeted for treatment with the applied agent(s) (20) or aerosol (65).It is preferred, without limitation, that the sensor(s) (103) arelocated in an effective location within the sterilization chamber(s)(16). The one or more sensor(s) (103) can also be, without limitation,positioned outside of the treated area(s) or sterilization chamber(s)(16) behind any suitable window(s) (106) or in any other suitablelocation if they are optical sensor(s) (103), and monitor the conditionswithin these various areas through the window(s) (106). This can allowthe sensor(s) (103) to properly function while being protected from theenvironment within the targeted area(s) or sterilization chamber(s)(16).

In another aspect of this embodiment, each sensor(s) (103) includes atleast two parts including, but not limited to, a light source (104) anda light sensor (105), known to those skilled in the art. The lightsource (104) and light sensor (105) can be directly or indirectlyconnected, or they can be placed or positioned independent from oneanother. Without being limited, the distance between the light source(104) and light sensor (105) can also vary depending on the type ofsensor (103) that is used. For various sensors (103) known in the art,the light source (104) and light sensor (105) can be, withoutlimitation, separated. It is preferred, without limitation, that ifsensor(s) like this are used, they are at least separated by aneffective distance. It is preferred, without limitation, that the lightsource (104) and light sensor (105) components of sensors (103) likethis are positioned at least two feet or more apart. Other types ofsensor(s) (103) known in the art can also integrate both the lightsource (104) and the light sensor (105) into the same unit or housing(107). These types of sensor(s) (103) can also be, without limitation,utilized in the present invention. These units typically detectreflected light, and the distance between the light source (104) andlight sensor (105) may not, without limitation, be an important variablefor effective function since they point in a similar direction.

The emitted light or energy, or light source (104) can have, withoutlimitation, any: (a) intensity, (b) brightness, (c) period, (d)frequency, (e) type of light, and (f) wavelength. The light source (104)can be controlled via any electronic system, programmable logic circuit,or other means known in the art. The light sensor (105) can, withoutlimitation, vary widely in its sensitivity and ability to sense light ofany: (a) intensity, (b) brightness, (c) period, (d) frequency, (e) typeof light, and (f) wavelength. The means to sense the light (105) canalso have various capabilities known in the art, including, withoutlimitation, the ability to have adjustable sensitivity and triggerlevel(s), and the ability to communicate with any electronic system,programmable logic circuit, or other means known in the art. The lightsensor(s) (105) can, without limitation, indicate or communicate withany electronic system, programmable logic circuit, or other means knownin the art, if it either receives or ceases to receive a desired or setlevel of light stimulus, and the communication can be accomplished invarious ways known in the art. It is preferred, without limitation thatthe electronic system, programmable logic circuit, or other means knownin the art, is indicated or receives information by any means including,but not limited to, an electrical signal, lack of an electrical signal,or any analog signal, from the light sensor(s) (105) or any directly orindirectly connected hardware. This communication can result in variousactions such as, but not limited to, shutting down the device used togenerate and/or deploy the aerosol (65), or extending the amount of timethat the aerosol generator(s) (15) operates and deploys the appliedagent(s) (20) or aerosol (65) into the various areas targeted fortreatment. Any amount of extended time can, without limitation, beutilized to deploy the applied agent(s) (20) or aerosol (65). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the amount of extended time is atleast an efficacious or effective amount of time in addition to anyinitial deployment time that may have been chosen or established invarious ways to deploy the applied agent(s) (20) or aerosol (65).

Without limitation, an effective or sufficient amount of administeredaerosol (65) in this embodiment can be indicated in various waysincluding, but not limited to, (a) causing the disruption, lowering,diminishment, or cessation, of the light that is emitted from the lightsource(s) (104) before it reaches the light sensor(s) (105), (b) causingan increased level of light as the light emitted from the lightsource(s) (104) is reflected by the sufficient amount of aerosol (65)back to the light sensor(s) (105), (c) causing a decreased level of thelight as the light emitted from the light source(s) (104) is notreflected by a surface in front of the light source(s) (104) back to thelight sensor(s) (105). The effective, sufficient amount, or specifiedquantity, of administered aerosol (65) can vary for intended orunintended reasons or designs, and the trigger or sensitivity levels forthe light sensor(s) (105) can, without limitation, be varied,calibrated, or adjusted, for each situational circumstance.

According to an embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 34-37 and FIGS.40-43, shadowed surface(s) of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) or theabsence of sufficient processing or treatment of one or more surfacesand/or targeted surface(s) of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01), withinthe sterilization chamber(s) (16), can also be, without limitation,overcome or prevented by the incorporation and use of one or more of anymeans to apply effective pressure in order to hold, grip, clamp, orotherwise support, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) (hereinaftercalled “gripper(s)” or “gripping mechanism(s)”) (135) within the closedspace or sterilization chamber(s) (16). Various means known in the artmay, without limitation, be utilized to effectively clamp, grip, hold,or support, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Without being limited,the “gripping mechanism(s)” (135) used in the present invention caninclude, but is not limited to, the use of one or more “primary grippingmechanism(s)” (109) and “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110), whichare “gripping mechanism(s)” (135) that can be, without limitation, usedin various orders, timing, combinations, and/or sequences. Without beinglimited, the gripping mechanism(s) (135) can include, but is not limitedto any, mechanical apparatus or means, electromechanical apparatus ormeans, or pneumatic apparatus or means, in its design or construction,to apply sufficient pressure in order to hold, grip, clamp, or otherwisesupport, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01), or effectively open andrelease or detach from the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Morespecifically, and without being limited, the gripping mechanism(s) (135)includes, but is not limited to, the use of one or more of any means todirectly or indirectly interface with the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)(hereinafter called “gripping fingers” (108)) in order to either applyeffective pressure to hold, grip, clamp, or otherwise support, theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) when needed, or effectively open andrelease or detach from the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Without beinglimited, at least two gripping fingers (108) can either move, or evenremain in a static or stationary position. It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that the one or more gripping mechanism(s) (135), includesat least one movement mechanism (127) that with the assistance of anysuitable motor or any other suitable movement device (125), is able todirectly or indirectly actuate or move the at least two gripping fingers(108) so that the at least two gripping fingers (108) can eithereffectively close with sufficient force and hold, grip, or clamp, theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01), or effectively open and release ordetach from the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).

The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can be, without limitation, firstplaced, held, gripped, clamped, positioned, connected, interfaced, orsupported, with one or more “primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)is maintained in a vertical orientation during all of the processingactivities within the sterilization chamber(s) (16), however any otherangled, horizontal, or other orientation may also, without limitation,be used. The object or endoscope is then processed in one or morevarious ways or activities (hereinafter “processing activity(s)” or“activity(s)”), or any number of one or more combination(s) or order ofprocessing activity(s), including, but not limited to being, washed,rinsed, dried, and/or subjected to the “applied agent”, and/or driedagain. After the surfaces and/or targeted surfaces of the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) are efficaciously processed or treated with the one ormore processing activity(s) or step(s), the object(s) or endoscope(s)(01) is then transferred, in one or more various ways, so that it isthen placed, held, gripped, clamped, positioned, connected, interfaced,or supported, solely by one or more “secondary gripping mechanism(s)”(110) also located within the sterilization chamber(s) (16). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)is continued to be maintained in a vertical orientation during all ofthe processing activities within the sterilization chamber(s) (16),however any other angled, horizontal, or other orientation may also,without limitation, be used. The one or more “secondary grippingmechanism(s)” (110) interface with one or more surfaces of the object(s)or endoscope(s) (01) that were not covered or shadowed by the “primarygripping mechanism(s)” (109). The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) isthen, without limitation, further processed with the same one or moreactivity(s) or combination or order of activity(s), that were used toprocess the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) when the one or more “primarygripping mechanism(s)” (109) were used. Once the processing of theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is completed, with the one or moreprocessing activity(s), the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can be,without limitation, returned back to the “primary gripping mechanism(s)”(109) for purposes, including, but not limited to, the start of one ormore additional processing activities(s) or step(s). However, anyprocessing activity(s) may also, without limitation, be started whilethe object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is being held, gripped, clamped,positioned, connected, interfaced, or supported, by one or more“secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110). The one or more processingactivity(s) are performed with each “gripping mechanism” until allsurfaces of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) are efficaciouslyprocessed or treated. The time necessary to conduct each and/or all ofthe one or more processing activity(s) can vary, but it is at least aneffective amount of time. In addition, the time that the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) is held by either the “primary gripping mechanism(s)”(109) or “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110) during each processingactivity(s) may vary, but it is at least an efficacious amount of time.The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can also, without limitation,alternate being placed, held, gripped, clamped, positioned, connected,interfaced, or supported, by the one or more “primary grippingmechanism(s)” (109) and “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110) one ormore times, to complete all of the one or more processing activity(s),and efficaciously process or treat all of the surfaces and/or targetedsurfaces of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Any or all of thevarious processing activity(s) or step(s) for the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) may also be, without limitation, repeated one or moretimes. The movement of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) between theone or more gripping mechanism(s) (135), or the “primary grippingmechanism(s)” (109) and “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110), can be,without limitation, performed at various times such as, but not limitedto, during or after one or more processing activity(s) or combination ofprocessing activity(s), or after all of the various processingactivity(s) are completed for each contact of the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) with the one or more gripping mechanism(s) (135).

One example of using various processing activity(s) or step(s) coupledwith the use of one or more gripping mechanism(s) (135), to treat theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) includes, without limitation, thefollowing activity(s) or steps and details. The object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) is first interfaced with the one or more “primarygripping mechanism(s)” (109) within the sterilization chamber(s) (16),and it is then sufficiently dried with one or more of any dryingactivity(s). The interior of the sterilization chamber(s) (16) may also,without limitation, be subjected to one or more drying activity(s)before the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is initially placed within thesterilization chamber(s) (16) to insure that all of the various surfaceswithin the sterilization chamber(s) (16) such as, but not limited toany, gripping fingers (108), or object interface material(s) (89), aresufficiently dry. The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is then moved to orinterfaced with the one or more “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110)where the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is then subjected to the sameone or more drying activity(s) which are sufficient to dry thepreviously covered or shadowed areas of the object(s) or endoscope(s)(01). The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) may be, without limitation,returned back to the one or more “primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109)to begin another processing activity cycle, after it is processed whilebeing interfaced with the one or more “secondary gripping mechanism(s)”(110). However, this is, without limitation, not mandatory. An effectiveamount of one or more applied agent(s) (20) is then dispersed or appliedinto the sterilization chamber(s) (16) for a sufficient amount of timeto effectively treat the various surfaces of the one or more object(s)or endoscope(s) (01) while it is still interfaced with the “secondarygripping mechanism(s)” (110). After the one or more surfaces of theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) are sufficiently exposed to the one ormore applied agent(s) (20), the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is thenmoved back to or interfaced with the one or more “primary grippingmechanism(s)” (109), where the one or more surfaces of the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) are also sufficiently exposed to the one or moreapplied agent(s) (20). This process may be, without limitation, repeatedfor each processing activity(s) or step(s), as well as for any movementof the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) between the various grippingmechanism(s) (135). All of the various processing activity(s) orstep(s), and any movement of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) betweenthe various gripping mechanism(s) (135), may be, without limitation,repeated one or more times. It is preferred, without limitation, thatthe object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is connected to one or more pressureinterface assembly(s) (68) while it is treated within the sterilizationchamber(s) (16).

In another example, and without limitation, the one or more object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) is first interfaced with the one or more “primarygripping mechanism(s)” (109) within the sterilization chamber(s) (16),and it is then processed with one or more various processing activity(s)or step(s) that may include, but are not limited to, washing the varioussurfaces of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) in a manner known tothose skilled in the art, drying the various surfaces of the object(s)or endoscope(s) (01), application or deployment of sufficient amounts ofone or more applied agent(s) (20) into the sterilization chamber(s)(16), treating the various surfaces of the object(s) or endoscope(s)(01) with the applied agent(s) (20) for an effective amount of time, anddrying the various surfaces of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is then moved to or interfaced with theone or more secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110) where the object(s)or endoscope(s) (01) is then subjected to the same one or moreprocessing activity(s) or step(s). This insures that the surfaces of theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) that were shadowed or covered by the“primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109), are effectively processed by thesame various processing activity(s) or step(s). The object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) may be, without limitation, returned back to the oneor more “primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109), after it is finishedbeing processed with the one or more various processing activity(s) orstep(s), while being interfaced with the one or more “secondary grippingmechanism(s)” (110). Once the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is returnedback to the “primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109), it may also, withoutlimitation, undergo one or more drying activity(s). The one or more ofany processing activity(s) or step(s), and movement of the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) between the various gripping mechanism(s) (135), maybe, without limitation, repeated one or more times. It is preferred,without limitation, that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is connectedto one or more pressure interface assembly(s) (68) while it is treatedwithin the sterilization chamber(s) (16).

According to an embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 36, one or moreof any sensor(s) (130) may be, without limitation, utilized to verifythat the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is sufficiently or effectivelymoved or transferred between the one or more gripping mechanism(s)(135), or between the “primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109) and the“secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110). These sensor(s) (130) caninclude any sensor(s) (130) such as, but not limited to any, proximitysensor(s), light emitter(s) and light sensor(s), trigger mechanism(s),mechanical switch(s), weight or mass sensor(s), stress and straingauge(s), signal emitter(s) and signal sensor(s), or any otherapplicable sensor(s) known to those skilled in the art. One or more ofthese sensor(s) (hereinafter called “verification sensor(s)”) (130) canbe located anywhere on or within the sterilization chamber(s) (16), butat least at an effective location. The verification sensor(s) (130) cancommunicate with one or more of any digital, electronic, or analog,controller(s) such as, but not limited to, any PLC, in order todetermine the presence or absence of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).Depending on the location of the one or more verification sensor(s), anydata, information, signal(s), or lack of signal(s) or data, received bythe PLC or controller can be utilized for purposes such as, but notlimited to, determining that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) hassuccessfully or effectively moved or transferred between the one or moregripping mechanism(s) (135), or between the “primary grippingmechanism(s)” (109) and the “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110). Ifthe PLC detects that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) has notsuccessfully transferred at any time between the various grippingmechanism(s) (135), the PLC can, without limitation, shut the apparatusdown or cause the entire machine to enter into a fault mode.

Referring to FIGS. 34-37 and FIGS. 40-41, it is preferred, withoutlimitation, that once the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is fullytransferred from one or more gripping mechanism(s) (135) to another oneor more gripping mechanism(s) (135), or from the at least two grippingfingers (108) to another set of gripping fingers (108), the receivingone or more gripping mechanism(s) (135) or gripping fingers (108), arethe only gripping mechanism(s) (135) or gripping fingers (108) that havecontact with the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). In addition, each timethe object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is moved from either the “primarygripping mechanism(s)” (109) to the “secondary gripping mechanism(s)”(110), or the “secondary gripping mechanism(s)” (110) back to the“primary gripping mechanism(s)” (109), the various “grippingmechanism(s)” (135), or gripping fingers (108), shall only, withoutlimitation, interface with the one or more surfaces of the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) that were not previously covered or shadowed. Thisinsures that all surfaces and/or targeted surfaces of the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) are efficaciously exposed to the various processingactivities, and untreated or shadowed surfaces are prevented. It is alsopreferred, without limitation, that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01),is effectively placed or positioned so that the one or more variousgripping mechanism(s) (135) including, but not limited to, its grippingfingers (108), can apply effective pressure when needed, in order toeffectively hold, grip, clamp, or otherwise support, the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01), within the sterilization chamber(s) (16).

Referring to FIGS. 34-41, the one or more various gripping mechanism(s)(135) including, but not limited to, its gripping fingers (108), can beany, without limitation, mechanical, electromechanical, or pneumatic,means or device known in the art that can not only apply any effectiveor sufficient pressure in order to place, hold, grip, clamp, position,connect, interface, or otherwise support, the object(s) or endoscope(s)(01) within the closed space or sterilization chamber(s) (16), but alsoperform functions such as, but not limited to any, unclamping,ungripping, releasing, or sufficiently decreasing their holding pressureso that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can be released ordisconnected for various purposes such as, but not limited to, it'sremoval from the sterilization chamber(s) (16), or to transfer theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) back and forth between the variousgripping mechanism(s) (135) or gripping fingers (108). The variousgripping mechanism(s) (135) including, but not limited to, its grippingfingers (108), can also, without limitation, directly or indirectly moveor pivot in one or more of any direction(s), in a manner known in theart. Without being limited, the various gripping mechanism(s) (135)including, but not limited to, its gripping fingers (108), may also bedirectly or indirectly moved, in any direction or orientation, and forany distance, within the sterilization chamber(s) (16), and this may beaccomplished in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

Also, referring to FIGS. 34-41, it is preferred, without limitation,that the various gripping mechanism(s) (135) are constructed from orutilize any movable and/or adjustable gripping fingers (108), such as,but not limited to, any “clamp(s)” or “jaw(s)” (111), that can besufficiently opened and closed when needed. The various grippingmechanism(s) (135), gripping fingers (108), clamp(s) or jaw(s) (111),can be, without limitation, opened or closed any distance, at any time,and for any purpose. The one or more gripping mechanism(s) (135) orgripping fingers (108) can be, without limitation, constructed in amanner known to those skilled in the art, so they can be manually orautomatically adjusted or controlled, by any digital, electronic, oranalog, controller(s), or PLC known in the art, so that the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) can be sufficiently interfaced, held, supported,clamped, and/or gripped each time it is interfaced with or connected toany gripping mechanism(s) (135) or gripping fingers (108), as well as beeffectively released. Without being limited, any, sensing, opening,closing, function, or movement, of any component(s) of the variousgripping mechanism(s) (135), can be monitored and controlled via one ormore of any digital, electronic, or analog controller(s) such as, butnot limited to, any PLC. Without being limited, any component(s) of thevarious gripping mechanism(s) (135), including, but not limited to thegripping fingers (108), can be any, size, length, width, thickness,shape, consist of any construction, and/or be constructed from anysuitable materials, known to those skilled in the art. Without beinglimited, any components of the gripping mechanism(s) (135), including,but not limited to any gripping fingers (108), can also be constructedfrom any of the same materials used to construct the sterilizationchamber (16) and/or the pressure interface assembly (68). Without beinglimited, any components of the gripping mechanism(s) (135), including,but not limited to any gripping fingers (108), can be constructed fromany material that is porous and/or permeable. Also, without beinglimited, any components of the gripping mechanism(s) (135), including,but not limited to any gripping fingers (108), can also be constructedfrom any material that is absorbent. In addition, any components of thegripping mechanism(s) (135), including, but not limited to any grippingfingers (108), can be, without limitation, designed and built in amanner known to those skilled in the art, so they can interface with oneor more of any surface(s) of one or more object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)from any direction, distance, angle, or orientation, as well as beeasily adjusted to effectively interface with object(s) or endoscope(s)(01) of any size, length, shape, or geometry. Any components of thegripping mechanism(s) (135) including, but not limited to any grippingfingers (108), can also, without limitation, undergo any number of oneor more movement(s) or combinations of movement(s) within thesterilization chamber(s) (16). It is preferred, without limitation, thatthe one or more gripping mechanism(s) (135), or any other of itscomponents that interface with the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) suchas, but not limited to, the gripping fingers (108) are positioned withinsufficient proximity or distance to each other, so they can effectivelymove the one or more object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) back and forthbetween themselves.

Referring to FIGS. 34-41, the one or more various gripping mechanism(s)(135) including, but not limited to, its gripping fingers (108), can becan be, without limitation, located anywhere within the closed space orsterilization chamber(s) (16). However, they should at least be, withoutlimitation, located in one or more locations within the sterilizationchamber(s) (16), at sufficient height(s) and with sufficient surroundingspace or area, to insure quick, efficient, and efficacious processing ofthe object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). It is also preferred, withoutlimitation, that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) is placed, held,gripped, hung, clamped, positioned, connected, interfaced, supported, orsuspended, via the various gripping mechanism(s) (135) in thesterilization chamber(s) (16), and it is done in a manner so that theonly additional surfaces that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01)contacts, is the one or more components of the pressure interfaceassembly (68) if it is used. In addition, if the pressure interfaceassembly (68) is used, the one or more supply tube(s) (11) that connectto it, may be any length, but at least an effective length. A sufficientamount of vertical and/or horizontal space should, without limitation,separate the various gripping fingers (108), so that the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) with attributes such as, but not limited to various,sizes, geometry, construction, and lengths, may be processed. Inaddition, and without being limited, the gripping mechanism(s) (135) canbe mounted in a manner known in the art, so their positions or locationsanywhere within the closed space or sterilization chamber(s) (16) can beeasily adjusted, changed, or modified in order to accommodate anyobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01) with attributes such as, but not limitedto various, size, shape, width, and length.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 36, it is preferred, without limitation, thatthe one or more secondary gripping mechanism(s) (110) are at leastpartially staggered in a vertical fashion approximate to the primarygripping mechanism(s) (109), and the secondary gripping mechanism(s)(110) approximately face towards the primary gripping mechanism(s)(109). Now referring to FIG. 35 and FIGS. 40-41, it is even morepreferred, without limitation, that the one or more secondary grippingmechanism(s) (110) are at least partially staggered in a verticalfashion approximate to the primary gripping mechanism(s) (109), and thesecondary gripping mechanism(s) (110) approximately face out towards thesame direction as the primary gripping mechanism(s) (109).

With reference to FIGS. 34-37 and FIGS. 40-41, the one or more variousgripping mechanism(s) (135) including, but not limited to, its grippingfingers (108), should be, without limitation, positioned and spaced sothat they do not touch, and their interface locations with the object(s)or endoscope(s) (01) do not overlap or create any shadowed areas thatcannot be reached by the various processing activity(s). It is alsopreferred, without limitation, that any of the gripping mechanism(s)(135) components, including, but not limited to, gripping fingers (108),are designed or built so that the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) cannotpivot, rotate, roll, or excessively move during the various processingactivity(s).

Without being limited, and according to a preferred embodiment and withreference to FIGS. 39-41, an even more specific description of thegripping mechanism(s) (135), including one or more of its mechanism(s)that is utilized to move or actuate (Herein called “movementmechanism(s)”) (127), the one or more various gripping fingers (108), isgiven. It is preferred, without limitation, that the one or moremovement mechanism(s) (127) is designed and constructed to include theat least two gripping fingers (108). However, the at least two grippingfinger(s) (108) in addition to one or more of any other structures,braces, or supports, that are either static or movable, may also,without limitation, be utilized.

Each movable gripping finger (108) can be, without limitation, connectedto, or interface with, one or more means to hold, support, or connectwith the gripping finger(s) (108) (Herein called “socket interface(s)”)(118). Each socket interface (118) can be directly or indirectlyconnected to one or more clevis(s) (123) that either directly orindirectly impart motion to the at least two gripping fingers (108). Onthe contrary, the at least two gripping fingers (108), can also be,without limitation, directly connected to any means that can cause it tomove. The “socket interface(s)” (118) can be, without limitation,designed and constructed so that the at least two gripping finger(s)(108), can be removably retained. It is preferred, without limitation,that the gripping fingers (108) can be easily removed from the socketinterface(s) (118) for applications where the gripping fingers (108) mayneed to be frequently replaced or even replaced after each use of theapparatus. The object interface material (89) and/or the variousgripping fingers (108) can, without limitation, be designed andconstructed so that the object interface material (89) that is utilized,can also be removably retained.

It is preferred, without limitation, that each socket interface (118) isconnected to the clevis (123) via one or more linkage component(s)(122). Without being limited, each linkage component(s) (122), canconnect directly or indirectly with the clevis(s) (123) via one or more“clevis pivot point(s)” (121), as well as directly or indirectly connectto each socket interface(s) (118) via one or more “socket interfacepivot point(s)” (120). The “clevis pivot point(s)” (121) and the “socketinterface pivot point(s)” (120) can, without limitation, consist of anyvertical pin(s), rivet(s) or bolt(s) that effectively connect thevarious components together, and allow any effective movement of eachsocket interface(s) (118), or gripping fingers (108), all in a mannerknown to those skilled in the art.

However, for simplicity, the gripping fingers (108) can also, withoutlimitation, connect directly to one or more clevis(s) (123). Withoutbeing limited, the gripping fingers (108), can connect directly orindirectly to the clevis(s) (123) via one or more “clevis pivot points”(121) that can, without limitation, consist of any vertical pin(s),rivet(s) or bolt(s) that connect the various components together, andallow any effective movement of each gripping finger (108), all in amanner known to those skilled in the art.

Each socket interface (118) can connect to the body or framework (126)of the movement mechanism(s) (127) via one or more pivot point(s) (119)that can, without limitation, consist of any vertical pin(s), rivet(s)or bolt(s) that connect the various components together, and allow anymovement of each socket interface(s) (118), all in a manner known tothose skilled in the art. The socket interface(s) (118) can be anysuitable length.

The one or more clevis(s) (123) can be, without limitation, directly orindirectly connected to one or more means that can impart any effectivemotion to the clevis(s) (123). It is preferred, without limitation, thateach clevis (123) is connected to one or more linear actuator rod(s)(124). It is also preferred, without limitation, that the linearactuator rod(s) (124) are able to cause the clevis(s) (123) to have aneffective linear motion or close to an effective linear motion. Thelinear actuator rod(s) (124) are connected to one or means that cancause them to sufficiently move in a way to effectively open or closeeach of the various gripping fingers (108). It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that the one or more linear actuator rod(s) (124) areconnected to one or more of any linear actuator(s) (125) or steppermotor(s) that cause the linear actuator rod(s) (124) to move in anlinear motion or close to a linear motion. Referring to FIGS. 39-41, itis preferred, without limitation, that when the clevis(s) (123) is movedoutward, or away from the linear actuator(s) (125), the at least twogripping finger(s) (108) are able to close and effectively hold, grip,clamp, or otherwise support, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).Alternatively, and referring to FIGS. 39-41, it is preferred, withoutlimitation, that when the clevis(s) (123) is moved inward, or towardsthe linear actuator(s) (125), the at least two gripping fingers (108)are able to open and effectively unhold, ungrip, unclamp, or otherwiselose or cease contact with, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). It ispreferred, without limitation, that the one or more movementmechanism(s)”) (127) are constructed from any suitable materials orcombination of suitable materials such as, but not limited to, anycompliant plastics and/or metals known to those skilled in the art.

Without being limited, the gripping mechanism(s) (135), movementmechanism(s) (127), socket interface(s) (118), gripping fingers (108),or any number of other structures, braces, or supports, that are eitherstatic or movable, can also be designed in a manner known in the art sothey can pan, tilt, rotate, or be able to articulate, in any directionat any time, either mechanically or manually. Furthermore, any number ofsocket interface(s) (118), gripping fingers (108), or any otherconnecting parts, may have, without limitation, one or more hinges orsites of articulation, so that one or more of the socket interface(s)(118), gripping fingers (108), or any other connecting parts, cansufficiently move either manually or under any digital, electronic, oranalog, controller or any PLC control, at any time, causing contact tocease with the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01), or causing the object(s)or endoscope(s) (01) to be effectively held, gripped, clamped, orotherwise supported. Any number of the gripping mechanism(s) (135), ormovement mechanism(s) (127), utilized within the sterilizationchamber(s) (16) can be, without limitation, directly or indirectlymounted or connected to one or more walls within the sterilizationchamber(s) (16), or even structures within the sterilization chamber(s)(16) such as, but not limited to any, pipe(s), stand(s), or pole(s)(112), all in a manner known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 34-41, one or more various components of the grippingmechanism(s) (135) such as, but not limited to, any gripping fingers(108), can also, without limitation, be designed and built so that theyincorporate one or more sensors (hereinafter called “grip sensor(s)”)(135), such as, but not limited to, any stress and strain gauge(s) orother measuring devices, known in the art, that can be connected to anydigital, electronic, or analog, controller(s) such as, but not limitedto, any PLC, in order to enable the PLC or controller(s) to sense,monitor, and adjust the amount of pressure that the at least twogripping fingers (108) may exert in order to not only sufficientlyplace, hold, grip, clamp, position, connect, interface, or otherwisesupport, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) within the closed space orsterilization chamber(s) (16), but also to perform functions such as,but not limited to any, unclamping, ungripping, releasing, orsufficiently decreasing or eliminating their holding pressure, so thatthe object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) can be released or disconnected. Thegrip sensor(s) (135) may be, without limitation, interfaced with orlocated anywhere on or within the structure, or any components of, theone or more various gripping mechanism(s) (135). It is preferred,without limitation, that if any grip sensor(s) (135) are utilized, theyare at least interfaced with or located on or in any components of themovement mechanism(s)” (127) and/or the gripping fingers (108).

Referring to FIGS. 34-43, and as previously mentioned in the presentinvention, the at least two gripping fingers (108) can, withoutlimitation, be sufficiently plumbed, and have one or more opening(s)(85), which can serve as either, or both, outlet(s) or inlet(s), throughwhich various substances or materials used to process the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) within the sterilization chamber (16) can optionallyflow such as, but not limited to any, surfactant, rinse water, highpurity rinse water, alcohol solution, “applied agent(s)”, air/gas,heated air/gas. These various substances or materials may flow eitherout of or into the one or more opening(s) (85), where by doing so, theycan directly or indirectly contact or interact with various surfaces ofthe object(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Any number of opening(s) (85) may beutilized and positioned anywhere on the object support(s) (84), but itis preferred, without limitation, that at least an effective number ofobject opening(s) (85) are used, and they at least effectively facevarious surfaces of the object or endoscope (01). The opening(s) (85)may be any size, shape, geometry, or design, known to those skilled inthe art. Without being limited, the various substances or materials usedto process the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) within the sterilizationchamber (16) can flow or move at any, quantity, rate, or pressure, atany time, for any duration of time, and can be used during one or moreof any processing activity(s). These materials or substances can be,without limitation, supplied to the opening(s) (85) through one or moreof various supply hose(s), pipe(s), conduit(s), or channel(s) or“process hose(s)” (88), and are flowed or moved in a manner known tothose skilled in the art. One or more of any opening(s) (85) can be,without limitation, dedicated and plumbed (87) with any aerosolgeneration device (15) or any vapor generator, to flow one or more ofany substance(s) or material(s) at any time, in order to process theobject(s) or endoscope(s) (01). Agent (65) may be also be emittedthrough the openings 85 in the object interface 89 as supplied by one ormore of various supply hose(s), pipe(s), conduit(s), or channel(s) or“process hose(s)” (88). The object interface 89 is retained on thegripping finger (108).

Also, referring to FIGS. 34-43, and as previously mentioned in thepresent invention, any object interface material (89) may also, withoutlimitation, be positioned or maintained between the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01), and the at least two gripping fingers (108). Theobject interface material (89) may be, without limitation, permeableand/or absorbent. The at least two gripping fingers (108) may also be,without limitation, covered, coated, or constructed from one or more ofany polymer(s), as well as any polymers that have a rubber-likedurometer. It is preferred, without limitation, that the polymer(s) ischemically compatible with any agent(s) (20) that are used. The at leasttwo gripping fingers (108) may also be, without limitation, constructedfrom any material that is porous and/or permeable. The at least twogripping fingers (108) may be, without limitation, constructed from anymaterial that is absorbent.

According to an embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 34, one or moregripping mechanism(s) (135) can also, without limitation, be directly orindirectly mounted or connected to one or more walls within thesterilization chamber(s) (16), or even any structures within thesterilization chamber(s) (16) such as, but not limited to any, pipe(s),pole(s), or stand(s) (Hereinafter called “pole(s)”) (or linearpositioning device) (112), all in a manner known in the art. The pole(s)(112) may also be, without limitation, any tracks, channels, or othermounting structures known to those skilled in the art. The pole(s) (112)may, without limitation, directly or indirectly interface or be mountedon any walls within the sterilization chamber(s) (16). It is furtherpreferred, without limitation, that the gripping mechanism(s) (135), canbe adjusted, moved, or otherwise positioned or repositioned anywhere onthe pole(s) (112), and locked or maintained in a static position withany locking or position maintaining mechanism (117), all in a mannerknown to those skilled in the art. It is also preferred, withoutlimitation, that the pole(s) (112) are plumbed and connected to thenecessary components in the present invention, so they can delivervarious substances or materials such as, but not limited to any,surfactant, rinse water, high purity rinse water, alcohol solution,“applied agent(s)”, air/gas, chilled air/gas, and/or heated air/gas, tothe at least two gripping fingers (108). The one or more pole(s) (112)can also have, without limitation, one or more of any orifice(s) (113)of sufficient size, design, or construction, through which the varioussubstances or materials such as, but not limited to any, surfactant,rinse water, high purity rinse water, alcohol solution, “appliedagent(s)”, air/gas, chilled air/gas, and/or heated air/gas, can bedelivered to the at least two gripping fingers (108). The one or moreorifice(s) may be located anywhere on the pole(s), but at least in oneor more effective locations. Any unused orifice(s) can be, withoutlimitation, temporarily or permanently plugged with any effectiveclosure(s) (114) known in the art. Without being limited, the one ormore gripping mechanism(s) (135), can be designed and constructed toeffectively interface and/or seal (116) with the one or more orifice(s)(113).

According to an embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 34-41, the oneor more various gripping mechanism(s) (135), including, but not limitedto, the primary gripping mechanism(s) (109) and secondary grippingmechanism(s) (110), and more specifically, the at least two grippingfingers (108), can, without limitation, sufficiently open and close inany order, at any time, and for any duration, provided that all of thesurfaces that are shadowed or covered by the various grippingmechanism(s) (135), and more specifically the various gripping fingers(108), at any time during the various processing activity(s) that takeplace, are effectively and sufficiently processed by the end of all ofthe processing activity(s) or step(s) that are desired. In addition, theone or more of the various gripping mechanism(s) (135), and morespecifically the various gripping fingers (108), can, withoutlimitation, sufficiently open or close either independently, or as anygroup, in any order, at any time, and for any duration, provided thatall of the surfaces that are shadowed or covered by the various grippingmechanism(s) (135), and more specifically the various gripping fingers(108), at any time during the various processing activities that takeplace, are effectively and sufficiently processed by the end of all ofthe processing activity(s) or step(s). Without being limited, the one ormore of the various gripping mechanism(s) (135), and more specificallythe various gripping fingers (108) may, without limitation, interfacewith the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) at one or more of any effectivelocation(s). It is preferred, without limitation, that at least one ofthe various gripping mechanism(s) (135), and more specifically thevarious gripping fingers (108), interfaces either directly or indirectlyapproximately at or near each end of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).It is even more preferred, without limitation, that at least one of thevarious gripping mechanism(s) (135), and more specifically the variousgripping fingers (108), interfaces either directly or indirectlyapproximately at or near each end of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01),and at least one or more of the various gripping mechanism(s) (135), andmore specifically the various gripping fingers (108), also interfaceseither directly or indirectly approximately at or near the middle orcenter of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01).

According to an embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 8-11, FIGS.24-25, and FIGS. 34-43, all embodiments pertaining to the prevention ofshadowing and the processing of the one or more surfaces and/or targetedsurface(s) of the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) may, withoutlimitation, involve subjecting or exposing the object(s) or endoscope(s)(01) to any, one or more processing activity(s) or step(s), one or morecombinations of processing activity(s) or step(s), as well as repeatingone or more processing activity(s) or step(s), within the sterilizationchamber (16). These processing activity(s) or step(s) may, withoutlimitation, last for any length of time, but at least be or take partwithin, an efficacious amount of time. Without being limited, theseprocessing activity(s) or step(s) are either addressed within thepresent invention, or are known to those skilled in the art.Furthermore, the object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) may be, withoutlimitation, suspended, held, cradled, gripped, clamped, supported, invarious ways, and in various orientations, within the sterilizationchamber (16). The object(s) or endoscope(s) (01) may also be, withoutlimitation, interfaced with one or more pressure interface assembly(s)(68), at any time, while they are suspended, held, cradled, gripped,clamped, transferred, supported, in various ways, and in variousorientations, within the sterilization chamber (16). One or more of anyprocessing activity(s) or step(s), substances, or materials may be,without limitation, used at any time, to process the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) within the sterilization chamber (16) and may include,but not be limited to any, surfactant in aqueous solution, rinse water,high purity rinse water, alcohol solution, air/gas, chilled air/gas,“applied agent(s)”, dehumidified air/gas, and/or heated air/gas, whichcan be used one or more times during any processing activities, for anyduration, with any amount, at any concentration, with any temperature ofsubstance used, and can be used in any order or with any combination ofprocessing activities needed.

With reference to FIGS. 36-37, the use of any heated air/gas may,without limitation, be used as processing activity(s) within thesterilization chamber(s) (16) as well as within the object(s) orendoscope(s) (01). Without being limited, heating the air or gas insideof the sterilization chamber(s) (16) may be accomplished with any air orgas heating device or means (115) known to those skilled in the art. Itis preferred, without limitation, that the air or gas that is heatedinside of the sterilization chamber (16) is any air or gas that ispresent inside of the sealed sterilization chamber(s) (16). The air orgas within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and/or object(s) orendoscope(s) (01) can be heated, without limitation, at any time, andfor any duration, and any temperature. The heated air or gas within thesterilization chamber(s) (16) may be utilized, without limitation, oneor more times during any processing activities, for any duration, withany amount, and can be used in any order or with any combination ofprocessing activities needed.

With reference to FIG. 37, and according to an embodiment, thesterilization chamber(s) (16) can also, without limitation, include oneor more of any drain(s) (128). The drain(s) (128) can be locatedanywhere within the sterilization chamber(s) (16) and can be any sizeand construction known to those skilled in the art. It is preferred,without limitation, that at least one drain (128) is located in, orapproximate to, the bottom of the sterilization chamber(s) (16), and thebottom of the sterilization chamber(s) (16), is designed and built tochannel any liquid(s) present in the bottom of the sterilizationchamber(s) (16) into the drain(s) (128). The flow of any gas(s) orliquid(s) through the drain(s) (128) can be, without limitation,controlled with one or more of any door, valve, cap, or other separatingdevice or valve (Herein called “drain valve(s)) (130) known to thoseskilled in the art. It is also preferred, without limitation, that thedrain valve(s) (130) can be controlled by one or more of any electronic,analog, or digital controller(s), or PLC(s). It is preferred, withoutlimitation, that the drain valve(s) (130) can effectively seal. The oneor more drain(s) (128) can be, without limitation, plumbed or connectedto one or more reservoir(s) (129) of any size and construction to holdany liquid(s) that are drained or removed from the sterilizationchamber(s) (16). However, it is preferred, without limitation, that thesterilization chamber(s) (16), as well as any collection reservoir(s)(129) if they are utilized, are either directly or indirectly plumbed orconnected to any sanitary waste system or sewer system. The reservoir(s)(129) can also be designed and construed so that they can be, withoutlimitation, easily removed from the rest of the apparatus for removal ofany liquids or cleaning. The drain(s) (128), valve(s) (130),reservoir(s) (129) or any other plumbing, or other related part(s) orcomponent(s) can all be constructed from any material that iscompatible, and suitable for use with the applied agent(s) (20).

Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated asbeing within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for retaining at least one object forapplication of at least one agent, comprising: an enclosed chamber; adevice for introducing at least one agent into the enclosed chamber; atleast one first gripper and at least one second gripper, each saidgripper includes a first gripping finger, a second gripping finger andan actuation device, the at least one object is retained between saidfirst gripping finger and said second gripping finger, said actuationdevice moves said first and second gripping fingers toward each otherwhen said actuation device is powered to clamp the at least one object;at least one elongated member, said at least one first and secondgrippers are moveable along an axis of said at least one elongatedmember, said at least one first and second grippers are releasablysecured along said axis of said at least one elongated member to retainthe at least one object; and at least one of the at least one agent,air, heated air, and at least one gas, flows through plumbing in atleast one of said first and second gripping fingers.
 2. The apparatusfor retaining at least one object for application of at least one agentof claim 1 wherein: said at least one first and second grippers arepositioned to retain the at least one object in a vertical orientation.3. The apparatus for retaining at least one object for application of atleast one agent of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of saidfirst and second gripping fingers is retained in a socket interface. 4.The apparatus for retaining at least one object for application of atleast one agent of claim 1 wherein: said first and second grippingfingers are covered with an object interface, said object interface isfabricated from a material being at least one of a polymer havingrubber-like properties, permeable, and absorbent.
 5. The apparatus forretaining at least one object for application of at least one agent ofclaim 1, further comprising: a controller for opening and closing saidat least one first and second grippers.
 6. The apparatus for retainingat least one object for application of at least one agent of claim 1,further comprising: each one of said at least one first and secondgrippers includes a gripper frame, said actuation device and a clevis,said actuation device is retained in one end of said gripper frame, saidclevis is attached to an actuator end of said actuation device, one endof said first and second gripper fingers are pivotally coupled to saidclevis, said first and second gripper fingers are pivotally engaged withthe other end of said gripper frame.
 7. An apparatus for retaining atleast one object for application of at least one agent, comprising: anenclosed chamber; a device for introducing at least one agent into theenclosed chamber; at least one elongated member; at least two firstgrippers and at least two second grippers, each said gripper includes afirst gripping finger, a second gripping finger and an actuation device,the at least one object is retained between said first gripping fingerand said second gripping finger, said actuation device moves said firstand second gripping fingers toward each other when said actuation deviceis powered to clamp the at least one object, said at least two firstgrippers and said at least two second grippers are positioned relativeto a length of the at least one object, said at least one first andsecond grippers are moveable along an axis of said at least oneelongated member, said at least one first and second grippers arereleasably secured along said axis of said at least one elongated memberto retain the at least one object, wherein the at least one agent isapplied to the at least one object when said at least two first grippersare clamped on the at least one object and said at least two secondgrippers are in an open position, the at least one agent is applied asecond time to the at least one object when said at least two firstgrippers are in an open position and said at least two second grippersare clamped on the at least one object; and at least one of the at leastone agent, air, heated air, and at least one gas, flows through plumbingin at least one of said first and second gripping fingers.
 8. Theapparatus for retaining at least one object for application of at leastone agent of claim 7 wherein: said at least two first and secondgrippers are positioned to retain the at least one object in a verticalorientation.
 9. The apparatus for retaining at least one object forapplication of at least one agent of claim 7, further comprising: atleast one of said first and second gripping fingers is retained in asocket interface.
 10. The apparatus for retaining at least one objectfor application of at least one agent of claim 7 wherein: said first andsecond gripping fingers are covered with an object interface, saidobject interface is fabricated from a material being at least one of apolymer having rubber-like properties, permeable, and absorbent.
 11. Theapparatus for retaining at least one object for application of at leastone agent of claim 7, further comprising: a controller for opening andclosing said at least two first and second grippers.
 12. An apparatusfor retaining at least one object for application of at least one agent,comprising: an enclosed chamber; a device for introducing at least oneagent into the enclosed chamber; at least one elongated member; at leasttwo first grippers and at least two second grippers, each said gripperincludes a first gripping finger, a second gripping finger and anactuation device, the at least one object is retained between said firstgripping finger and said second gripping finger, said actuation devicemoves said first and second gripping fingers toward each other when saidactuation device is powered to clamp the at least one object, said atleast two first grippers and said at least two second grippers arepositioned relative to a length of the at least one object, said atleast one first and second grippers are moveable along a length of anaxis of said at least one elongated member, said at least one first andsecond grippers are releasably secured along said length of said axis ofsaid at least one elongated member to retain the at least one object,one of said at least two first grippers is positioned at substantiallyone end of the at least one object and the other one of said at leasttwo first grippers is positioned at substantially the other end of theat least one object, one of said at least two second grippers ispositioned at substantially one end of the at least one object and theother one of said at least two second grippers is positioned atsubstantially the other end of the at least one object; and at least oneof the at least one agent, air, heated air, and at least one gas, flowsthrough plumbing in at least one of said first and second grippingfingers.
 13. The apparatus for retaining at least one object forapplication of at least one agent of claim 12 wherein: said at least twofirst and second grippers are positioned to retain the at least oneobject in a vertical orientation.
 14. The apparatus for retaining atleast one object for application of at least one agent of claim 12,further comprising: at least one of said first and second grippingfingers is retained in a socket interface.
 15. The apparatus forretaining at least one object for application of at least one agent ofclaim 12, further comprising: each one of said at least two first andsecond grippers includes a gripper frame, said actuation device and aclevis, said actuation device is retained in one end of said gripperframe, said clevis is attached to an actuator end of said actuationdevice, one end of said first and second gripper fingers are pivotallycoupled to said clevis, said first and second gripper fingers arepivotally engaged with the other end of said gripper frame.
 16. Theapparatus for retaining at least one object for application of at leastone agent of claim 12 wherein: said first and second gripping fingersare covered with an object interface, said object interface isfabricated from a material being at least one of a polymer havingrubber-like properties, permeable, and absorbent.